Bill > HB0412

This bill requires that before a local government can approve a permit for a utility-scale renewable energy facility, such as a solar or wind power plant with a generating capacity over one megawatt intended for sale, the facility's owner or operator must consult with the Division of Wildlife Resources. This consultation involves submitting project details and any wildlife surveys, meeting with division personnel, and receiving recommendations from the division on how to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential harm to wildlife and their habitats. The Division of Wildlife Resources will provide written recommendations within 30 days and will establish rules for these consultation procedures. The owner or operator must then include proof of this consultation and a description of how they will address the division's recommendations with their permit application, and the local jurisdiction must consider these recommendations when making their decision, though the bill clarifies that the Division of Wildlife Resources does not have the authority to approve or deny permits, nor are owners or operators required to implement all recommendations, and local jurisdictions retain their final decision-making power.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0412.html