Representative Carl Albrecht; Your Role in Utah’s Fire Season: With wildfires turning up across Utah this summer, fire safety has never been more important. As your Representative, I want to remind everyone that even small actions can make a big difference. Clear dry brush around your home, follow all burn restrictions, and avoid using machinery that can spark fires during hot dry conditions. Let’s all do our part to protect our communities, first responders, and our beautiful public lands. Stay alert, stay safe, and be fire smart.
Smart Choices Make Safe Summers
As we enjoy Utah’s beautiful lakes, rivers, and reservoirs this summer, let’s make safety a top priority. Whether you’re boating, kayaking, or just cooling off near the water, wearing a life jacket can save lives – and it’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. Accidents happen fast, even to strong swimmers. Let’s keep our summer adventures fun, safe, and tragedy-free. Please wear your life jacket and encourage others to do the same.
Monroe Canyon Fire
The Monroe Canyon Fire, as I write this on August 4th at 200 pm, is almost 63,000 acres in size and is 13% contained. There are 1,503 personnel working the fire at a cost of $41.6 million thus far. Mother Nature has dealt us some very difficult firefighting conditions – wind, high temperatures, low humidities, and very low fuel moisture content. The fire has been very erratic, but there have been some major wins. The stop at Highway 24 was huge. There have been 14 structures lost. There are over 300 structures total on the Monroe and Cove mountains combined.
Fires are rampant throughout the West. We need more active management of our forests. The work done locally on these mountains by the Forest Service working with State crews has certainly slowed the fire in certain areas where this work has been done in the past.
The State will continue to provide funding for Watershed Restoration and to help with reseeding, and assistance for local water systems and flooding prevention efforts in the future.
Your Voice Matters
I hope you all had a wonderful Pioneer Day celebrating our state’s rich heritage of community, courage, and taking action for a better future. As your Representative, I want you to know that same pioneering spirit lives on when you get involved, and there’s no better time than now. Our next Interim Meetings are coming up on August 19th and 20th, and I encourage you to join us. Committee meetings are open to the public, whether you’d like to attend in person or stream them online at le.utah.gov. There, you can also check schedules, read agendas, and watch recordings of past meetings. Your input shapes the decisions we make, so I hope to see you engaged and speaking up for our community!
Utah’s Bold Crackdown on Fentanyl Is Saving Lives
Utah is cracking down on fentanyl like never before – and it’s working. Thanks to H.B. 87 and the coordinated efforts of the Fentanyl Task Force, the state has already seized 4.3 million units of fentanyl in the first half of 2025 – nearly matching all of last year’s record haul. Overdose deaths are also down compared to last year, a hopeful sign that these tough measures are saving lives. With strict new felony charges for major traffickers and law enforcement sending a clear message that fentanyl won’t be tolerated here, Utah is proving that bold action can protect communities from this deadly opioid.
Utah Leads the Way in AI Innovation and Consumer Protection
Utah isn’t just participating in the AI race: we’re helping shape its future. Thanks in part to legislation passed this last session, Utah recently ranked third in the nation for AI preparedness. We are proving that innovation and consumer privacy can thrive together. The state is leading the way with practical policies that encourage tech growth while safeguarding Utahns’ data and rights. By supporting smart AI legislation in the Legislature, Utah is making sure the Beehive State remains a hub for cutting-edge technology without compromising on the protection of its people.
Running Toward Rehabilitation
At the Utah State Correctional Facility, inmates recently ran a half-marathon organized by the Fit From Within Club – an inspiring program founded by incarcerated individuals aiming to support rehabilitation and reintegration through running. This initiative, which has been embraced by lawmakers, reflects the Legislature’s growing commitment to fostering programs that promote mental and physical health, reduce violence, and prepare inmates for successful reentry into society. By supporting legislation that funds such efforts and encourages healthy habits, Utah is investing in real, transformative rehabilitation that helps break the cycle of incarceration and builds hope for a better future.
Utah’s Fight to Keep Public Lands in Public Hands
The federal government currently controls more land in Utah than anywhere else in the nation, except Nevada – over 70% of our entire state! From wildfire mitigation to flood control, we have proven time and time again that Utah deserves priority when it comes to managing its land. Listen to the House’s latest podcast episode as Rep. Logan Monson talks with Redge Johnson, director of Utah’s Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office, about Utah’s continued fight to keep public lands in public hands. Click here to listen.
Safeguarding National Security at the State Level
Utah is leading the way in safeguarding our land and military assets. A state law passed in 2023 and strengthened in 2024, which prevents restricted foreign entities from purchasing land in the state, blocked a land purchase last month. As foreign adversaries like China seek greater influence, Utah is showing how states can take proactive steps to defend their communities and critical assets. Utah’s example underscores the vital role states play in safeguarding America’s future.
Thank You
As always, I’m grateful for the chance to serve you. Let me know what matters most to you.
Respectfully,
Representative Carl Albrecht
Utah District 70
435-979-6578
carlalbrecht@le.utah.gov
