UTAH DROUGHT

Utah lawmakers speak on this session’s agenda

Jan 17, 2023, 7:00 PM | Updated: Jan 18, 2023, 10:15 am

Utah Legislature...

House Speaker Brad Wilson speaking after the morning session finished on the last day of the 2022 legislative session. Wilson announced on Thursday, April 13, 2023, that he is forming an exploratory committee regarding a possible run for the U.S. Senate in 2024. Photo: Paul Nelson

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah legislature is back in session and lawmakers are looking forward to fixing problems related to our drought, housing, tax cuts and abortion issues

We’ll likely hear more about some pie in the sky, big ideas this session. Things like a pipeline from the West Coast to the Great Salt Lake.

But Senate President Stewart Adams said they need to create a solution for the ages. 

And that things like desalination and cloud seeding have worked in other places. So it could work here in Utah.

Other controversial issues from previous sessions are also top of mind like with Utah’s abortion trigger law.

Speaker Brad Wilson says they’re still waiting for the Utah Supreme Court to come to a decision. 

“This session we must work to make sure that legislative intent is crystal clear before the session concludes,” said Wilson. 

Wilson also focused his opening remarks today on improving affordable housing.

Specifically, he called out city leaders in Clearfield for building so many new homes recently.

“Our housing crisis is a statewide issue. We all need local governments to follow the lead of these and other cities that recognize the problem and provide solutions rather than hurdles,” concluded Wilson. 

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Utah lawmakers speak on this session’s agenda