WORKING FOR UTAH; We’ve been celebrating Energy Week here on the hill, and I’m happy to have been an integral part of it. Throughout our third week my colleagues and I have been collaborating on how to improve our energy infrastructure and independence. The workload will only continue to ramp up, but I hope everyone knows we are fighting for Rural Utah. I encourage everyone to follow along online at le.utah.gov or to join us on the hill. LEGISLATION UPDATES
Here is a brief update on my legislation, for a more in-depth look follow the session at le.utah.gov. HB54 COAL MINER CERTIFICATION PANEL AMENDMENTS passed the Senate and is headed for Governor Cox’s desk. HB31 AGRITOURISM AMENDMENTS passed its final vote in the House and is on will be heard in Senate committee on Monday. HB239 STATE EMPLOYEE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS and HB241 CLEAN ENERGY AMENDMENTS which promotes nuclear, geothermal, and pump energyboth passed their final vote and are headed for Senate Committee.
I had three more bills that were introduced and sent to committees this week. HB124 ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AMENDMENTS is a supplement to a bill I ran last year that provides tax credits for energy related projects in rural Utah. HB124 amends that bill to also include nuclear, geothermal, pump storage, and carbon sequestration technology to the list of projects that qualify for this credit. When the technology becomes available for a transition from carbon emitting fuels like coal, it ensures we have the policies in place to attract these projects to our part of the state which benefit our rural economies and the rest of Utah. HB363 LIVESTOCK GRAZING AMENDMENTS establishes within Utah code that those who hold existing permits and grazing allotments on federal lands have a RIGHT to continue to graze. Our ranchers and farmers have long been the greatest stewards of our environment. These families have labored over these lands for generations, and it is imperative that this does not change. This bill will give our Public Lands Policy Office some more guidance when negotiating with federal agencies.
Finally, HCR8 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CREATING THE BUTCH CASSIDY STATE MONUMENT establishes the boy hood home of Utah’s own legend as a state monument. This site south of Circleville attracts visitors from all over the country, with an attendance rivaling other state parks. It’s important to preserve our history, and in collaboration with both Garfield and Piute county the State has agreed to a lease with the landowners and will maintain the property. I’m thankful to help play a part in this work. HB384 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DATA SUBMISSION AMENDMENTS creates a way for the Utah Geological Survey office to collect the detailed geological hazard maps that local agencies create to share with other agencies and geotechnical professionals to better inform policies. HB384 and HCR8 were passed out of committee unanimously and placed on the Consent calendar. I also presented two more RFAs to secure funding for our predator control and food security processing programs.
CONSTIUENTS AND GUESTS
This week I was joined by CaDance Church, a senior from North Sevier High School, who plans on attending Utah State in the fall to study Aviation. She has a strong interest in politics and is a sharp student and is hoping to return to the Legislature someday as a college intern. My wife and I also joined SUU President Mindy Benson and other SUU students for dinner on Monday night before they held their Day on the Hill Tuesday. I was also happy to see my former Richfield neighbor Rod Elmer with Utah Highway Patrol and his K9 Titan sweeping the house floor throughout the week. I also joined members of the Sportsmans Caucus Tuesday morning to discuss bills that concern hunting and fishing and how we can protect the heritage of those sports. Rural Caucus on Friday morning is always great, not just because of the breakfast, but because of the rural folks who gather to listen and help on rural issues. The members of the Utah Rural Electric Cooperative Association were here Friday morning to discuss the bills that impact energy policy for rural customers.
This week, we were joined by baseball legend Dale Murphy as we passed a joint resolution in support of Major League Baseball in the Beehive State. From little league to AAA ball, Utah has some of the most passionate sports fans in the country and we are eager for the opportunity to bring a major league team to Utah. Members of the Miller Group also joined us for Rural Caucus breakfast to discuss their commitment to protect the heritage of agriculture near the Utah State Fairpark. Funding for the ballpark could come from the State as a loan to be paid back, including interest. 85% of Utahns support this opportunity.
CONCLUSION
I hope that all of my constituents feel comfortable reaching out regarding any concerns, I again invite you to do so. My intern is Gage Duffin, a graduate of Utah State University. His email address is gduffin@le.utah.gov. His telephone number is (385) 420-3079. I will continue updating you throughout the Session on these important issues that influence your local communities. I always look forward to representing all the needs and interests of Rural Utah. Please contact me directly by email at carlalbrecht@le.utah.gov. You can also text or call me at (435) 979-6578.
Images:
IMG_6160_JPG: Representative Albrecht and high school Intern CaDance Church
53498927489_8591814a1c_c.jpg: Representative Carl Albrecht speaking on the House Floor
Albrecht1.HEIC: Rep. Albrecht having dinner with SUU President Mindy Benson and SUU students
IMG_1094.HEIC: Rep. Albrecht, Rod Elmer with Utah Highway Patrol and his K9 Titan on the house floor
IMG_0124.HEIC: Albrecht speaking to members of Utah Electric Cooperative Association
