New Reform to Promote Utah’s Growth
Utah’s booming economy depends on a steady supply of critical infrastructure materials like sand, gravel, and stone—the essential “flour” in our economic cake.
H.B. 355, a new legislative reform, strengthens protections for vested mining and aggregate operations, streamlines expansion processes, and ensures long-term material availability for infrastructure projects. This bill reduces regulatory uncertainty, safeguards local supply chains, and supports Utah’s continued growth.
Learn more about how H.B. 355 secures the future of our roads, homes, and economy.
During the 2024 legislative session, House Bill 502 (HB 502) was passed to address Utah’s growing demand for critical infrastructure materials like sand, gravel, and rock aggregate. As Utah continues to expand, ensuring a stable supply of these essential materials is vital for roads, housing, and infrastructure projects.
To better understand current and future supply challenges, the Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM) was tasked with conducting a statewide study. The study, led by Stantec, evaluates zoning, supply trends, and regulatory frameworks, aiming to provide long-term solutions for the industry.
Key Takeaways from the Study
• Utah has sufficient aggregate to meet demand through 2060, but re-zoning is necessary to maintain supply.
• Salt Lake and Weber Valleys rely on imported materials, leading to 40-60% price increases due to transportation costs.
• A state-level regulatory body could streamline oversight and set consistent statewide standards.
• Local governments should retain land-use authority, ensuring balanced economic and environmental considerations.
This study reinforces the need for policy updates like HB 355, which modernizes regulations to ensure a sustainable and cost-effective supply of materials for Utah’s infrastructure.
The Problem: Why Costs are Rising
📌 Study Quote:
“Utah has the aggregate resources needed to meet demand for decades. However, regulatory bottlenecks are restricting access and inflating costs.”
This isn’t a supply issue—it’s a logistics issue.
• Materials are being hauled 30-45 miles further than necessary, doubling costs.
• Builders and businesses are forced to pass higher costs onto consumers due to inefficiencies.
• Local zoning restrictions are preventing materials from being sourced closer to demand.
The Solution: Smart, Pro-Growth Reforms
📌 Study Quote:
“Pre-zoning resource areas and streamlining permitting will ensure Utah’s economic competitiveness while maintaining oversight.”
Utah has led the nation in smart, pro-business policies, and it’s time to bring that same approach to aggregate supply.
✅ What needs to happen?
• Pre-zone high-potential aggregate resource areas to prevent costly permitting delays.
• Streamline permitting without sacrificing oversight, ensuring materials are sourced efficiently.
• Reduce reliance on out-of-state imports and long-haul trucking, cutting unnecessary costs.
📢 A stable, affordable supply of materials means more affordable housing, lower infrastructure costs, and a stronger economy.
The Impact: What Happens if We Do Nothing?
🚧 Housing becomes even more expensive: Utah is already facing an affordability crisis. Unchecked cost increases will put homeownership out of reach for more Utahns.
🚧 Infrastructure projects will cost millions more: Every extra mile materials travel adds unnecessary taxpayer burden.
🚧 Utah businesses will face uncertainty: Developers and contractors can’t absorb endless cost increases. Delays and inefficiencies make long-term planning impossible.
