Today, I testified before the Utah House Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee. Click here to download a pdf of the written testimony.
Chair Albrecht, Vice Chair Shipp, and Members of the Committee:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I'm Thomas Hochman, Director of Infrastructure at the Foundation for American Innovation, a think tank focused on developing technology and ideas for a freer and more abundant future.
House Bill 85 would modernize Utah's environmental permitting while maintaining strong environmental protections. I'd like to highlight two key reforms:
First, the bill expands Utah's successful Permit-by-Rule program. While traditional permits take 6-7 months, Permit-by-Rule allows facilities meeting pre-approved standards to begin operations in just two weeks. Utah's single existing Permit-by-Rule for oil and gas has saved an estimated 1,450 years of cumulative permitting time since 2017. However, other states have developed dozens of categories – Texas has over 100, for example. HB 85 requires adding at least five new categories, carefully selected based on successful programs in other states.
Second, the bill promotes Plantwide Applicability Limitations (PALs). These innovative tools establish facility-wide emissions caps that allow companies to swiftly implement new technologies while maintaining environmental standards. PALs have proven successful nationwide – helping D.C.'s Capitol Power Plant transition from coal to natural gas, and enabling rapid innovation at Intel's Arizona semiconductor facility. HB 85 addresses current barriers to PAL adoption by establishing clear procedures and requirements.
With Utah's rapid growth and initiatives like Project Gigawatt, we need permitting processes that can keep pace and unleash Utah industry while protecting our environment. HB 85 provides this balance, aligning with recent federal modernization efforts. I respectfully urge the Committee to support this legislation.
Thank you for your time. I'm happy to answer any questions.
