UtahLarge solar and wind projects must consult wildlife officials
Since May 6, 2026, large solar and wind power plants seeking local permits must consult state wildlife officials, while local governments retain permit authority.
What it does
For local permit applications, large solar and wind power plants must consult state wildlife officials and share project details. Owners must describe planned responses, but need not follow the officials’ recommendations.
Argument forLocal officials may make better informed permit decisions after owners share project details and state wildlife experts’ recommendations.
Argument againstWildlife protections may depend on owners’ choices because they must describe planned measures but do not have to follow the state’s recommendations.
More detail
Owners and operators must consult the Division of Wildlife Resources when applying for a local permit. The rule covers solar and wind power plants with generating capacity above 10 megawatts. Owners and operators must submit project details and any wildlife surveys, meet with division staff, and include proof of consultation and planned measures with the permit application. The division must provide written recommendations within 30 days after receiving a complete request. Owners and operators need not follow the recommendations. The division cannot approve or deny permits, and local governments keep that authority. The law took effect May 6, 2026. Consultation is part of the local permit application.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 25Governor Spencer Cox SignedBecame Law
- Mar 16House/ to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 16House/ received enrolled bill from PrintingMinor
- Mar 12House/ enrolled bill to Printing
- Mar 12Enrolled Bill Returned to House or SenateMinor
- Mar 7Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
- Mar 7Bill Received from House for EnrollingMinor
- Mar 6House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrollingMajor
- Vote recorded House/ concurs with Senate amendment. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 6House/ received from SenateMinor
- Mar 6Senate/ to House
- Mar 6Senate/ signed by President/ returned to HouseMajor
- Mar 6Senate/ received from HouseMinor
- Mar 6House/ to Senate
- Mar 6House/ concurs with Senate amendmentMajor
- Mar 6House/ placed on Concurrence Calendar
- Mar 6House/ received from SenateMinor
- Mar 6Senate/ to House with amendments
- Mar 6Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspensionPassed Senate
- Mar 6Senate/ substituted
- Mar 6Senate/ 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspensionMinor
- Mar 5Senate/ Rules to 2nd Reading Calendar
- Mar 5LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0412S01
- Mar 5LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0412S01
- Mar 5Senate/ 2nd Reading Calendar to Rules [Senate Rules Committee]Minor
- Mar 4LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0412S01
- Mar 4LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0412S01
- Feb 26Senate/ placed on 2nd Reading Calendar
- Feb 26Senate/ committee report favorable [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 26Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 23Senate/ to standing committee [Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee]Minor
- Feb 19Senate/ 1st reading (Introduced)Minor
- Vote recorded House/ passed 3rd reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 19Senate/ received from HouseMinor
- Feb 19House/ to Senate
- Feb 19House/ passed 3rd readingPassed House
- Feb 12House/ placed back on 3rd Reading Calendar
- Feb 11House/ circled
- Feb 11House/ 3rd readingMinor
- Feb 9House/ 2nd readingMinor
- Feb 9House/ comm rpt/ placed on Consent Calendar [House Public Utilities and Energy Committee]
- Feb 6House Comm - Consent Calendar Recommendation [House Public Utilities and Energy Committee]
- Feb 6House Comm - Favorable Recommendation [House Public Utilities and Energy Committee]Minor
- Feb 4House/ to standing committee [House Public Utilities and Energy Committee]Minor
- Feb 4House/ received fiscal note from Fiscal AnalystMinor
- Feb 3LFA/ fiscal note publicly available for HB0412
- Feb 2LFA/ fiscal note sent to sponsor for HB0412
- Jan 29House/ 1st reading (Introduced)Minor
- Jan 29House/ received bill from Legislative ResearchMinor
- Jan 28LFA/ bill sent to agencies for fiscal input for HB0412
- Jan 28LFA/ bill assigned to staff for fiscal analysis for HB0412
- Jan 28Numbered Bill Publicly Distributed
- Jan 28Bill Numbered but not DistributedIntroduced
Environment & Energy