Bill > HB0499

This bill makes several amendments to the composition and operation of Utah's Environmental Quality Board and water heater regulations. For the board, the bill modifies the membership requirements, specifying that board members must now include representatives from various sectors like government, mining, and manufacturing, with new geographic and professional diversity requirements. The bill adds specific criteria for board members, such as requiring expertise in air quality matters, residency in Utah, and knowledge about air pollution. It also adjusts term lengths to ensure staggered appointments, with current board members who do not meet the new criteria having their terms expire on June 30, 2025. Additionally, the bill updates water heater regulations by introducing definitions for "ozone nonattainment area" and "PM2.5 nonattainment area" and modifying restrictions on natural gas-fired water heater sales, specifically exempting water heaters intended for installation in areas that are not classified as nonattainment zones for ozone or fine particulate matter. The bill is set to take effect on May 7, 2025, and aims to improve the technical expertise and representational balance of the Environmental Quality Board while providing more nuanced regulations for water heater sales based on air quality considerations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0499.html