HB 401

 Enrolled Copy  H.B. 401
1Geothermal Study Amendments
                                       2026 GENERAL SESSION
                                            STATE OF UTAH
                                Chief Sponsor: Christine F. Watkins
                                   Senate Sponsor: David P. Hinkins
2
3  LONG TITLE
4  General Description:
5      This bill directs Utah State University to conduct a study on the geological and
6  environmental impacts of geothermal energy development.
7  Highlighted Provisions:
8      This bill:
9      ▸ directs Utah State University to conduct a study on the geological and environmental
10  impacts of geothermal energy development in the state;
11      ▸ requires Utah State University to report findings to the Public Utilities, Energy, and
12  Technology Interim Committee; and
13      ▸ provides a repeal date.
14  Money Appropriated in this Bill:
15      None
16  Other Special Clauses:
17      None
18  Utah Code Sections Affected:
19  AMENDS:
20      63I-2-279, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 258
21  ENACTS:
22      79-6-410, Utah Code Annotated 1953
23
24  Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25Section 1. Section 63I-2-279 is amended to read:
2663I-2-279 . Repeal dates: Title 79.
27  (1) Section 79-2-407, Study of funding for water infrastructure costs, is repealed July 1,
28      2025.
 H.B. 401  Enrolled Copy
29   (2) Subsection 79-4-1002(2), regarding a pilot program for veteran free admission to state
30parks, is repealed July 1, 2025.
31   (3) Section 79-6-410, Geothermal energy facilities study, is repealed July 1, 2028.
32   [(3)] (4) Title 79, Chapter 6, Part 14, Energy Project Assessment, is repealed January 1,
332028.
34Section 2. Section 79-6-410 is enacted to read:
3579-6-410 . Geothermal energy facilities study.
36   (1) As used in this section, "coal-powered electrical generation facility site" means a
37location in the state where a facility that generates electricity using coal as a primary fuel
38source:
39(a) is currently operating; or
40(b) has ceased operations but retains existing infrastructure suitable for energy
41generation purposes.
42   (2) On or before October 31, 2027, Utah State University shall conduct a study on the
43geological and environmental impacts of geothermal energy development in the state,
44which shall include:
45(a) an assessment of subsurface geological conditions and the interactions with
46geothermal energy development activities;
47(b) an evaluation of geothermal energy development techniques and the relative impacts
48on surrounding geological and environmental conditions;
49(c) an assessment of the geological and environmental impacts of geothermal energy
50development at or near coal-powered electrical generation facility sites; and
51(d) recommendations for geothermal energy development practices that minimize
52geological and environmental impacts.
53   (3) Upon completion of the study described in Subsection (2), Utah State University shall
54report the findings on or before the November interim meeting to the Public Utilities,
55Energy, and Technology Interim Committee.
56Section 3. Effective Date.
57   This bill takes effect on May 6, 2026.
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