Interim meetings resumed last month, and I welcomed the opportunity to get back to the Capitol to continue working to study, debate, and craft policies that will benefit our community and state. Interim allows us to hear directly from industry experts and the public alike. Hearing your voices, your concerns, and your ideas on the issues that matter most is exactly what keeps our legislative process grounded and effective, and I look forward to keeping that open dialogue going throughout the rest of the year.

Our next interim meetings will take place on June 16th and 17th at the Capitol. I would love to see you there in person, or you can watch recordings, participate in livestreams, view agendas, and more at le.utah.gov. 

I had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion on the Great Salt Lake alongside Governor Cox this past month. Together with our federal partners, we discussed strategic preservation plans as well as the historic $1 billion federal appropriation request for the lake. This funding will provide unprecedented relief for the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding habitats, going a long way toward ensuring the lake remains healthy and viable for generations to come. Since taking office, I have prioritized our state's water security, working diligently to pass key legislation that protects this vital natural resource. I look forward to continuing this critical work at the Capitol to safeguard the lake for our children and grandchildren.

Governor Cox has issued a Drought Executive Order declaring a statewide state of emergency due to our drought conditions. Our mountain snowpack serves as Utah's primary water supply, and with our reservoirs drawing down quickly, aggressive water conservation is absolutely critical for all of us this season. Because our landscapes are incredibly dry, this drought also brings a significantly heightened risk of wildfires. This summer, while you’re enjoying all the beauty our state has to offer, please practice extra caution and use our fire sense whenever spending time outdoors. Let’s do our part to conserve water, prevent human-caused wildfires, and protect our communities.

Utah’s continued prosperity is rooted in the strength of our homes, and that was proven in a new national report that ranks Utah #1 in the family structure index. This ranking reflects our state’s high marriage rates and the fact that more of our children are raised in stable, two-parent households than anywhere else in the country. Our commitment to family values has led to tangible results: Utah currently holds the lowest childhood poverty rate in the nation and the lowest reliance on public assistance. When we prioritize the family unit, we see a direct correlation with our #1 rankings in volunteerism, charitable giving, and overall economic outlook. For the fourth year in a row, Utah has been named the best state in the nation, proving that strong families are not just a social priority—they are the primary engine behind the greatest success story in the American experiment.

One of my top priorities for our state is ensuring we have secure, reliable, and affordable baseload power that is always available when our families and businesses need it. In Utah, we embrace an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy that allows us to utilize every resource at our disposal to keep our power affordable and independent. In a major step forward for this vision, Utah has teamed up with Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico to launch the Mountain West Geothermal Consortium. Geothermal energy is a crucial piece of this puzzle because it provides a continuous, 24/7 supply of electricity that doesn't rely on the weather. We are uniquely positioned to lead this industry because high-quality heat is closer to the surface here, and experts are already calling Utah the heart of this geothermal renaissance. By streamlining permitting and cutting through bureaucratic red tape, this consortium will help expand our domestic energy portfolio and ensure Utah remains a powerhouse of innovation and grid reliability.

As we gear up for America’s 250th anniversary, I find myself reflecting more than ever on the incredible legacy of freedom, ingenuity, and community that defines our nation. This milestone isn't just about looking back at our history. It’s about coming together as neighbors to shape the next chapter of our story. There are some fantastic celebrations and community events being planned right here in our area, and I’d love for you and your family to be a part of them. Check out Utah America 250 website to find upcoming events, get involved, and join in as we honor this incredible milestone together!

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