Bill > SB0254

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the development and regulation of critical minerals in Utah, aiming to streamline processes and foster industry growth. It defines "critical mineral" as a mineral essential for economic or national security, and "critical minerals project" as any activity requiring state permits for extraction or processing. The bill mandates that state agencies prioritize permits for critical minerals projects located within designated "critical minerals zones" or those included in the strategic plan developed by the Critical Minerals Council, a newly created advisory body composed of various state officials, industry representatives, and academic leaders. To expedite development, the bill introduces "fast track permitting" by requiring agencies to process permits for critical minerals projects concurrently rather than sequentially and to minimize duplicative requirements. It also establishes a "Critical Minerals Development Account" funded by a portion of mineral severance tax revenue and other sources, to support the administration of critical minerals initiatives, infrastructure development, workforce training, and incentives for extraction and processing projects. Furthermore, the bill outlines state objectives and policies for critical minerals, including capturing a significant portion of domestic demand, processing extracted minerals within the state, and reducing permitting timelines to under 18 months, while also creating a "Critical Minerals Atlas" for geological data and a "Minerals for Industrial, National, and Economic Security Center" to support research and commercialization.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/SB0254.html