Energy

HB 419 expands the definition of "environmental action" to include judicial reviews of permits issued by Utah's Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (previously excluded), affecting environmental groups or individuals suing over such permits. It requires plaintiffs seeking preliminary injunctions or administrative stays in these cases to post a surety bond to cover potential damages to defendants if they lose. The bond must be sufficient to compensate opponents of the injunction for harms caused, payable to those defendants if the plaintiff doesn't win on the merits. This changes the financial risk for plaintiffs in oil/gas mining permit disputes while maintaining existing bond requirements for other environmental cases. The bill takes effect May 6, 2026, with no new funding.

SB 176 requires Utah state agencies to purchase electric-powered landscape maintenance equipment when replacing old gasoline-powered equipment for routine outdoor care (like mowing or trimming) on state government grounds. It applies specifically to properties in counties classified as first or second class with less than 50,000 square feet of maintained grounds. Exceptions allow exemptions if electric equipment is impractical due to terrain features or during emergencies. The law takes effect on May 6, 2026, and does not appropriate new funding.