Olympics in mind, Utah lawmaker proposes more littering fines

SALT LAKE CITY — Vehicle air pollution, littering, and unsecured loads on truckbeds are all in the sights of a Utah lawmaker. When the 2025 Utah Legislative Session begins, Rep. Ken Ivory, R-West Jordan, will introduce legislation that he said will make Utah “clean and pristine” ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.

In large part, the bill would increase the fees, penalties, and fines associated with certain types of litter in Utah.

And it would increase registration fees for vehicles that cause more air pollution.

“We’d increase some of the fees associated with the types of vehicles, types of trailers, the locations where pollution is tending to increase and we’ve increased some of the fees there,” Ivory told KSL NewsRadio.

Ivory’s bill would increase certain littering fines

Ivory is describing H.B. 53 Unsecured Load Amendments of which he is the chief sponsor.  According to the bill’s current text, HB53 would modify some existing penalties for littering. It would also impose a landfill fee for those caught driving with an unsecured load.

The bill also creates a Litter Abatement Expendable Special Revenue Fund, where some of the new fees would be deposited. According to the bill’s current language, money from the fund would be used for litter cleanup as well as a public service campaign.  

“[The bill] simply changes the [littering] penalties and the fines a little bit. They’ve found that litter has been a serious source of accidents and pollution on the highways,” Ivory said.

If HB53 passes, the Utah Department of Transportation would be the primary agency promoting and enforcing the new law.

Other related reading:

• Utah air pollution could impact 2034 Winter Olympics, USU professor warns
• Why The New York Times says Utah still could lose the 2034 Winter Games
• GOP Utah lawmakers consider having more say over air quality rules