The issue — Protect Parleys Canyon
For the past year, HEAL Utah and our partner organizations have been actively engaged in opposing the proposed 635-acre limestone quarry and gravel pit development in Parleys Canyon, a beloved natural area close to Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, at least three bills currently under consideration at the state legislature could pave the way for the approval of this disastrous mine by undermining local decision-making, limiting public engagement, and curtailing access to judicial review. HEAL Utah opposes the development of a gravel pit in Parleys Canyon, as it poses a significant threat to our health and air quality from increased exposure to harmful air pollutants and truck traffic.
The Threat of House Bill 502:
The original bill, H.B. 502, aimed to limit local municipalities’ authority in regulating mining projects, such as the one proposed for Parleys Canyon. This raised concerns as it sidelined public input and undermined Salt Lake County’s efforts to safeguard its forestry and recreation zones from mining activities. However, a new revision of the bill proposes a temporary solution by calling for a study by the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining on critical infrastructure materials operations and related mining activities. While this provides temporary relief, HEAL Utah advocates for additional safeguards and community protections. They recommend amending the bill to involve the Division of Environmental Quality and incorporate community input into decision-making processes. This would enhance environmental protections and ensure community concerns are addressed.
The Threat of Senate Bill 172:
S.B. 172 Protection Areas Revisions limits local government’s ability to challenge vested mining rights, making it much more difficult to challenge mining projects and protect the environmental and public health of their communities.
- S.B. 172 would make it easier for Tree Farm and Granite Construction to apply for a “vested mining right” in Parleys Canyon and allow it to circumvent Salt Lake County ordinances.
- S.B. 172 would limit a local government’s ability to regulate mining operations and challenge new and existing operations even when environmental and public health might be at risk.
- S.B. 172 is a threat to air quality and community health, as it paves the way for a gravel pit in Parleys Canyon that would worsen dust and vehicle emissions.
The Threat of House Bill 353:
H.B. 353 Mining Operations Amendments limit public engagement and judicial oversight, critical tools in challenging inappropriate mining permits.
- H.B. 353 restricts community involvement in the mining permit request process by not requiring public comment opportunities for permit amendments.
- H.B. 353 complicates the process of seeking judicial review for permit decisions, potentially limiting the ability to seek legal recourse against unfavorable permit approvals.
- H.B. 353 would bar municipalities and counties from participating in judicial reviews without board approval, thus limiting the ability to challenge permits.
Take Action!
CLOSED: Contact Your Legislators: Urge them to oppose H.B. 502, S.B. 172, and H.B. 353. Your voice matters and can make a difference in this crucial fight. Together, we can prevent these legislative threats from undermining our efforts to protect our communities from air pollution, safeguard our environment, and ensure that communities and local governments have a say when permitting and regulating mining activities within their jurisdiction. Your action today is crucial for a healthier, more sustainable future.
- Spread the Word: Share this alert with friends, family, and your network. The more people are aware of these threats, the stronger our collective voice.
- Stay Informed: Follow HEAL Utah for updates and further actions you can take to protect our environment and community.
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