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2025 Legislative Recap

As the 2025 Utah Legislative Session comes to a close, we at HEAL Utah are reflecting on the policies that will shape our state’s environment and the health of its people. This session brought debates on air quality, energy policy, the handling of toxic and radioactive waste and major discussions around nuclear energy. HEAL Utah has a long history of critically evaluating the impacts of nuclear energy on our state, and this year’s legislative session saw significant proposals that could impact Utah’s energy future. While we saw some notable victories, there is still much work to be done. Here’s a look at what passed, what didn’t and what comes next.

URGENT: OPPOSE H.B. 355 TO PRESERVE LOCAL CONTROL OVER MINING EXPANSION!

H.B. 355 limits local governments from preventing the expansion of certain mining operations. It also shifts the burden of proof to the challenger and raises the standard of proof to “clear and convincing.” Protect your local government’s ability to stop mine expansions today!

INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR LAWMAKERS

Contacting our lawmakers is one of your most powerful tools to ensure our voices are heard. Being an effective advocate for your community means raising your concerns and holding your legislators accountable for accurately representing their constituents.

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health: Understanding the Hidden Dangers in Our Air

Climate change relentlessly desiccates our environment, posing greater risks to our air quality every year, especially during wildfire season. Understanding the health risks of wildfire smoke can empower us to make changes in our community to advocate for cleaner air.

Navigating Utah’s Legislative Session: Your HEAL Guide to Capitol Hill

Welcome to the 2024 Utah Legislative General Session, where the future of our state’s environmental policies is at stake. In this blog post, we will break down the legislative process and explore its significance in shaping Utah’s environmental landscape. HEAL Utah, an environmental advocacy organization plays a crucial role in pushing for policies that promote clean energy, improve air quality, protect our communities from toxic & radioactive exposure, and ensure transparency in decision-making. Let’s dive into how it all works!

Take Action During the Legislative Session

Individuals (like you!) can also influence policy that affects your health and quality of life by speaking up and becoming community lobbyists.

Every year we see more and more individuals redefining what it means to be a lobbyist who places community, accountability, and people over profit, setting the foundation for an era of greater democracy up on Capitol Hill.

The Election’s Impact on Our Communities & Environment

We continue to absorb the results of the 2024 election and its implications for our communities, our health, and our environment. The divides in our country have been starkly highlighted and the fragility of our bedrock environmental laws and institutions, as well as the recent progress made on climate and health protections, are far too clear.

HEAL Utah Selected as 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee

Salt Lake City, UT – HEAL Utah is proud to announce its selection as a 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee. Out of more than 3,300 applications from across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, HEAL Utah was chosen as one of only 343 grantees.

We have been selected as a 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!

HEAL Utah is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 343 grantees selected (out of 3,300+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Community Challenge: Building Healthy, Equitable, and Livable Streets

Our ability to get from place to place is the foundation for building a thriving community. Transportation planning and policy plays an essential role in creating equity in our neighborhoods, as it shapes how a community connects to the services necessary for a healthy, prosperous, and fulfilling life. We are excited to be part of the AARP Community Challenge Grant, which supports HEAL’s goal of building healthy, equitable, and livable communities in Salt Lake City and beyond.