Flour in Our Cake: Study Overview & Summary Page
Why Did This Study Happen?
The Utah Critical Infrastructure Materials Study was commissioned as a result of House Bill 502, passed during the 2024 legislative session. The Utah Legislature directed the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM) to conduct this study to evaluate the state’s current and future needs for critical infrastructure materials (CIM)—specifically sand, gravel, and rock aggregate—and to assess the challenges in extraction, permitting, transportation, and affordability.
Key Drivers for the Study:
• Rapid population growth increasing demand for construction materials.
• Concerns over rising costs due to inefficiencies in supply chain and permitting.
• Legislative need for better data to make informed policy decisions.
To ensure a thorough, independent assessment, DOGM hired Stantec, a third-party consultant, to conduct the study and engage stakeholders statewide.
What Did the Study Say?
1. Utah Has the Resources, But Access is a Problem
📌 Study Quote:
“Utah has sufficient reserves of sand, gravel, and rock aggregate to meet demand for decades. However, regulatory bottlenecks, land-use restrictions, and transportation inefficiencies are causing localized shortages.”
🔹 What This Means:
• Materials are available, but bureaucratic hurdles and zoning restrictions are preventing efficient extraction and distribution.
• Localized shortages in urban counties are driving up costs due to long-haul transportation needs.
2. Rising Costs Are Not Due to Material Shortages, But to Inefficiencies
📌 Study Quote:
“The cost of transporting aggregates more than 30–45 miles doubles their price, adding $4,000 per home and $1 million per highway mile.”
🔹 What This Means:
• Longer hauling distances are making infrastructure and housing more expensive than necessary.
• Permit delays and inconsistent regulations are preventing the industry from efficiently meeting demand.
• Without changes, costs could continue rising sharply, impacting taxpayers, businesses, and homebuyers.
3. The Solution is Smarter Planning, Not Deregulation
📌 Study Quote:
“Pre-zoning aggregate resource areas and streamlining permitting will ensure Utah’s economic competitiveness while maintaining oversight.”
🔹 What This Means:
• Pre-zoning resource areas ensures materials are available where they’re needed, avoiding costly delays.
• Streamlining permitting allows responsible, efficient extraction while maintaining environmental and community protections.
• A predictable regulatory framework provides stability for businesses, preventing supply chain disruptions and cost spikes.
Conclusion: What the Legislature Must Do
📢 The study confirms Utah’s economy depends on well-managed access to critical infrastructure materials.
✅ With small policy adjustments, Utah can:
• Keep construction costs stable for homes, roads, and public projects.
• Prevent unnecessary taxpayer burdens by ensuring efficient material sourcing.
• Ensure long-term economic competitiveness with predictable, well-managed regulations.