Representative Carl Albrecht
July 1, 2024
June Special Session and Interim Process
During last month’s Special Session, the Legislature took action to protect Utah’s freedoms and push back against federal regulations that conflict with state law. We stood up for state sovereignty, worked to secure energy independence, and protected women’s sports and women’s spaces. I am proud of the Legislature’s commitment to putting Utah’s people and Utah’s values first. I sponsored HB3004 Energy Security Adjustments. This bill will hopefully preserve the two IPP coal units near Delta. Preserving these coal generation facilities will keep many coal miners and truck drivers working in Central Utah. The energy generated will help secure the electrical grid which is in short supply.
In case you missed last month’s interim meetings, you can watch full recordings at le.utah.gov or click here to read the highlights. We will resume our meetings again on August 20th and 21st at the Utah State Capitol. As always, meetings are open to the public, and I would love to see you there, or you can participate online.
Reducing Federal Overreach in Utah-The Chevron Doctrine
For decades, Federal Overreach has devastated Utah’s lands, economy, and people. Now, with a groundbreaking U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the Chevron Doctrine, Utah is ready to defend our rights confidently.
The Chevron Doctrine previously allowed Federal Agencies to interpret laws broadly, often resulting in policies that were not directly authorized by Congress. With this new legal precedent, we now have a powerful tool to challenge and dismantle these unchecked policies imposed by unelected federal bureaucrats. No other legislative branch in the nation has fought federal overreach as relentlessly as Utah. This decision marks the beginning of even greater victories in our battle for state sovereignty.
Big Win for Utah’s Energy Future
Thanks to a new Supreme Court ruling, the EPA’s Ozone Transfer Rule will be halted. This decision is a big win that will help keep Utah’s energy affordable and keep the federal government out of our energy decisions.
The future of Utah’s energy independence should be left to those who understand our needs best: Utahns. My colleagues and I remain committed to Utah’s all-of-the-above energy approach.
A Strong Water Year – Conservation is Still a Top Priority
The State has had a great run-off. Water levels are on the rise.Thanks to another record year of rain and snowfall, reservoirs across Utah are at their highest recorded levels in over 15 years. The Great Salt Lake, in particular, has risen 6.5 feet from its lowest recorded point in 2022. Lake Powell is up 35 feet. Sevier River Reservoirs are high as well.
Even during record years, it’s still important that we conserve for our future. As a Legislature, we have continued to show our commitment to protecting Utah’s water resources. This year alone, we invested nearly $30 million towards preserving and strengthening our water supply. For tips on how you can conserve at home this summer, click here.
Happy Fourth of July and Pioneer Day, July 24th
I hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July. As you enjoy time with family and friends, please take a moment to remember our freedoms and express gratitude for those who have sacrificed so we can live in the “Land of the Free.” I appreciate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedoms. May God bless them and their families. This July 24th, let us also remember our forefathers and the pioneers who settled our valleys and paved the way for our success.
Stay Informed
Want to know more about the Interim Process and the bills passed during June’s special session? In a new series of our House podcast, Majority Report, hosted by House Majority Leader Jefferson Moss, you can get inside information on June Interim, Special Session, and more! Click here to listen or watch the full episode.
Check out our new website to listen to our latest podcast episodes. New episodes are released every other week.
In the news
CNN: New Utah lawsuit claims TikTok Live feature puts children at risk
Washington Examiner: Utah defies Biden’s Title IX rules: ‘We have a state law that will be enforced’
KUTV: Utah County teachers finish academy made to help educate, prepare for school shooting
KUER: Hoping for ‘tangible results’ on recidivism, Utah is casting a wide net for solutions
St. George News: Cedar City Regional Airport begins $5.2M expansion to enhance traveler experience
KUTV: Utah is state with 2nd best economy, coming in behind Washington
Deseret News: The border crisis reaches Utah schools, says Rep. Burgess Owens
Fox 13: After years of killing invasive species, native plants finally return to Utah Lake
Fox 13: Agents on pace to set record this year for amount of fentanyl seized in Utah
KSLTV: Utah delegation studies future geothermal potential in Iceland
KSL NewsRadio: Utah leaders present plans to the IOC in hopes to host the 2034 Olympics
KUTV: Utah’s new helicopter bolsters firefighting efforts ahead of 2024 fire season
KUER: Rather than mooove beef, a new cattle processor in Sevier County can keep it local
KSLTV: UDOT installing high-visibility lane striping along Wasatch Front highways
Fox 13: Utah legislature’s organized crime subcommittee talks border security, retail theft and gangs
KSL NewsRadio: Nearly half of Utah reservoirs are 100% full
Utah News Dispatch: Not all mineral companies on Great Salt Lake pay their fair share, audit finds
Deseret News: Utah to finally get its own passport office
Utah News Dispatch: Utah Republicans celebrate toppling of federal agencies’ rulemaking power
Fox 13: Fire restrictions to go into place for Salt Lake Co., 8 others in Utah
Herald Journal: Northern Utah rangeland finds new purpose as nursery for wild bighorn sheep
Deseret News: Energy and public lands issues taken up in the special session
Daily Herald: Legislature passes bill to prevent local school boards from initiating school redistricting
Thanks Again!!
I appreciate the opportunity to represent you in the Utah House of Representatives. Please contact me with questions or concerns. I’ll continue to work hard for Rural Utah.
Thank you.
Representative Carl Albrecht
435-979-6578
