HB 355 Critical Infrastructure Amendments: A Threat to Local Governance, Environmental Protections, and Public Health
The Utah Citizens’ Counsel strongly opposes HB 355, the Critical Infrastructure Amendments, sponsored by Rep. C. Snider. This bill seeks to centralize regulatory authority over critical infrastructure at the state level, undermining local governance, environmental protection, and public health. HB 355 has significant implications for gravel mining regulation, local government authority, and environmental safeguards.
Key Points and Concerns:
State Preemption: HB 355 restricts local governments from enacting stricter regulations than state standards for critical infrastructure projects, such as gravel pits. This undermines local autonomy and the ability to address community-specific concerns.
Streamlined Permitting: The bill aims to simplify permitting processes for infrastructure projects, reducing local control over zoning and environmental regulations. This could lead to weaker protections in sensitive areas.
Health and Environmental Risks: Limiting local control may result in increased air and water pollution, noise, and dust, particularly in areas like Parley’s Canyon. The proposed strip mine in Parley’s Canyon would permanently alter the landscape, harming nearby communities and ecosystems.
Loss of Local Autonomy: Local governments, which are closest to the impacts of gravel mining, should retain the authority to regulate these operations. HB 355 strips this power, leaving communities vulnerable to the negative effects of mining.
Inadequate Safeguards: The bill lacks sufficient provisions to protect public health and the environment, prioritizing industrial interests over community well-being.
Contradiction of Study Findings: A state-commissioned study estimates over 1 trillion tons of gravel reserves statewide, enough to last through 2060. The study also highlights the lack of effective regulation and recommends that the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM) establish statewide standards while allowing local governments to impose stricter regulations where necessary.
Special Interest Legislation: HB 355 is seen as a favor to Granite Construction, a California-based firm seeking to strip mine the north slope of Grandeur Peak in Parley’s Canyon. The bill is tailored to influence the outcome of Granite Construction’s lawsuit, setting a dangerous precedent for using legislation to benefit private interests.
Conclusion: HB 355 represents a significant threat to local control, environmental protection, and public health. It contradicts the findings of a state-commissioned study and prioritizes corporate interests over community well-being. The Utah Citizens’ Counsel urges lawmakers to reject this bill and instead support balanced regulation that protects both economic development and the environment.