Former U.S. Security Advisor, Robert O’Brien, joined Utah lawmakers as they discussed national security concerns and legislation to address the defense sector and national security in Utah. Utah has one of the strongest aerospace and defense industries in the nation, with Hill Air Force Base, state-of-the-art companies, and leading research universities. This places Utah at the forefront of innovation and enhances our robust and diverse economy but also makes the state more susceptible to foreign threats.
The following bills take a proactive approach to safeguard our state and nation by protecting critical infrastructure, defense assets, and the democratic process from malicious foreign influences:
H.B. 117 Wind Energy Facility Siting Modifications (Rep. Jefferson Burton)
- Designed to protect military installations from encroachment by requiring wind energy facilities to go through a deconflicting process with the Department of Defense.
H.B. 256 Military Compatible Land Use Amendments (Rep. Val Peterson)
- Builds upon H.B. 265 from 2023 by clarifying language to ensure the zones surrounding military bases don’t infringe upon the operation of military bases.
H.B. 404 Public Entity Restrictions (Rep. Candice Pierucci)
- Prohibits local governments and public entities from entering into sister-city relationships or purchasing from companies that host slave labor camps.
H.B. 516 State Land Purchase Amendments (Rep. Candice Pierucci)
- Builds upon H.B. 186 from 2023 to not only prohibit China from purchasing land in Utah but also other restricted countries and companies headquartered therein, including Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
