New “Unleash Utah” initiative aims to position Utah as a national leader on energy independence, critical minerals, manufacturing, conservation, and conservative climate solutions.
Today, a diverse coalition of lawmakers, business leaders, and young conservatives launched Unleash Utah, a new statewide effort to assist in Utah’s efforts to be a national model for energy, resource development, and environmental leadership in the 21st century.
The coalition unites leaders who believe Utah is uniquely positioned to help lead the country through a generational moment. In the words of Unleash Utah coalition member and Utah State Representative Tyler Clancy, “This coalition is a who’s who of conservative leaders rolling up their sleeves to take on the real-world challenges facing Utah and the country—energy, resource development, climate and the environment. We know what’s at stake, and we know Utah’s got what it takes to lead: natural resources, a practical mindset, and a deep respect for this place we call home. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be the model for the nation.”
Unleash Utah will work to harness the state’s natural assets and strengths, advancing solutions that support job creation, responsible development, and long-term prosperity. “If Utah steps up now, we can secure our–and America’s–energy future,” explains Scott Anderson, coalition member and chairman of Zions Bank’s Advisory Board, in an op-ed for the Deseret News, “If we don’t, we risk hampering our growth and letting adversaries like China dominate the next era of energy, industry, and geopolitical competition.”
This effort builds on strong leadership already underway across the state, and aims to unify both new and established leaders around Utah’s most pressing challenges—and its greatest opportunities. “Unleash Utah is the natural next step,” says State Senator Heidi Balderree (R-District 22), “It builds on the incredible momentum we’ve already seen—from the landmark energy bills out of the statehouse, to the Governor’s Operation Gigawatt, to Sen. John Curtis’s Conservative Climate Caucus. With this new coalition, we will galvanize leaders across the state to take Utah’s leadership on these topics even further.”
Unleash Utah’s areas of focus include Energy Abundance, Energy Security, Critical Minerals, Manufacturing, Conservation, and Conservative Climate Solutions. Andrew Sandstrom, Executive Director of Unleash Utah, said: “We’re focused on both building an abundant energy future and working to advance environmental stewardship. We’re here to drive solutions to these challenges that reflect our values and deliver results.”
Unleash Utah’s founding members include Sen. Ann Millner, Sen. Heidi Balderree, and Reps. Tyler Clancy, Karianne Lisonbee, Lisa Shepherd, and Trevor Lee. Private-sector and civic leaders include Scott Anderson, former Zions Bank CEO and chairman of Zions Bank’s Advisory Board; Matt Waldrip, Managing Partner at Dauntless Capital and former Chief of Staff to Sen. Mitt Romney; Joe Ross, Chairman of the Beehive Energy Alliance; Mike Bird, Trustee for Salt Lake Community College; Melissa Clark, Eagle Mountain City Councilwoman and Chamber Co-President; Bill Rappleye, former Draper Chamber of Commerce President & CEO; Bryson Hinkins, Owner of Hinkinite Resources; Luke Searle, Wasatch County Council Councilman; Bryson Behm, Cache County Clerk; McKay Newell, former Utah Republican Party Treasurer; and Chase Acheson, Partner at the Acheson Firm. The coalition also features a strong bench of next-generation conservatives, including Young Republican leaders such as Tyler Boyles, Zac Wilson, Mackey Smith, Dallin Bundy, Grayson Massey, Ryan Smith, and Abe Vasquez, alongside Andrew Sandstrom, Executive Director of Unleash Utah.
To learn more about Unleash Utah, visit www.unleashutah.org.
Please also see today’s launch op-ed in today’s Deseret News.
