Climate Utah action alert! HB263

ACTION ALERT! Please call or text your senator and urge them to vote YES on Rep. Clancy's HB263 - Heavy Duty Vehicle Amendments. 

This bill is a timely, practical step toward cleaner air in Utah. It’s up for a vote on the Senate floor, and your voice could help us get one of the most targeted, common-sense clean air bills of the session passed! The bill places a $175 registration fee on the oldest, most polluting heavy-duty vehicles, specifically commercial vehicles over 14,000 lbs built before 2010, like older semi-trucks, dump trucks, and large haulers that produce a disproportionate share of harmful tailpipe pollution. HB 263 simply asks the dirtiest vehicles to contribute toward solutions. The fee would generate an estimated $3 million each year, which we’re working to direct to programs that reduce pollution and protect public health. It’s a straightforward accountability measure that ensures that older trucks offset their impacts on Utahns health.

The bill has been challenged and has narrowly passed at every step of the process so far. It has one step left to clear on the Senate floor.

Here's an easy form from Stewardship Utah to help. Let them know you’re their constituent and thank them for their service. Share that you support HB 263 and why it matters to you. Personal stories sway votes. Utahns deserve clean air and practical solutions grounded in public health and fiscal responsibility. HB 263 does exactly that. It holds the biggest polluters accountable while generating $3 million annually to benefit Utahns.

Other bills that could use your help

Sen. Pitcher's SB176 - Landscaping Procurement Amendments requires that all new landscape maintenance equipment purchased by state entities be electric. It passed the Senate 17-7 and heads to the House. Ask Representatives to vote yes.

Rep. Okerlund's HB328 - Water Usage Modifications limits spray irrigation in new construction to help reduce municipal water use. It passed the House 39-29 and heads to Senate. Ask Senators to vote yes.

Rep Owens' HB400 - Landscaping Water Amendments requires cities and counties in the Great Salt Lake Basin to adopt ordinances to require water-efficient landscaping in new development. It passed the House Political Subdivisions Committee 7-3 and is now up for a vote on the House floor. Ask Representatives to vote yes.

As always, you can keep on all the bills we are following on our bill tracker.

Environmental legislation panel at BYU

We ended up with not just Rep. Clancy, but also Senator Curtis and Congressman Kennedy! We had a great, wide-ranging discussion on energy, air quality, and the Great Salt Lake - led by students. Thank you to our legislators, to the students who organized, and to everyone who attended!