Utah is fast becoming a launchpad for innovation and opportunity. In 2024, we led the nation in manufacturing job growth, while our booming tech industry continues to pull top talent into the state. Add in some of the richest natural resources in the country, and Utah is poised to drive America’s economic and energy future. But that momentum is at risk. Outdated federal permitting laws are choking projects with delays and red tape. If we want growth to continue, we need leaders willing to cut through the bureaucracy and clear the path forward.
As President of the Utah Taxpayers Association, I hear directly from business owners about how these regulatory roadblocks stall the very projects that create jobs, attract investment, and keep our economy strong. The stakes are rising fast. Electricity demand is expected to jump 50% by 2050, fueled by the rapid growth of energy-intensive industries like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and data processing. These sectors see Utah as a prime destination for investment. Yet broken federal permitting laws stand in the way—driving up costs for communities, undermining energy security, and leaving the U.S. flat-footed while global competitors like China race ahead in emerging technologies where reliable energy is a strategic advantage.
The problem isn’t a lack of technological capacity or insufficient investment; it’s an outdated federal permitting system that is subjected to inconsistent processes and an endless stream of lawsuits. Without reform, we risk falling behind at a moment when innovation and our ability to build matters most.
Federal policymakers must pass comprehensive, durable permitting reform that provides regulatory agencies and developers with predictability, uphold environmental standards, and prevent litigation from being exploited to stall essential projects. A prime example of legislation ripe for reform is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Over time, vague and outdated language in NEPA have enabled endless lawsuits and delays, with critical energy projects often tied up in litigation for three years or more after agency approval. NEPA was signed in the Nixon-era and never fully amended to account for the needs of a modern energy economy of the 21st century.
Responsible energy development on federal lands, which cover nearly two-thirds of Utah, also faces significant delays. The Bureau of Land Management often imposes layers of redundant reviews and fails to follow what should be clear congressional directives. This causes even standard applications to develop new energy projects to be delayed, with developers sometimes waiting over 1,000 days to begin their work. This is not sustainable as companies look to invest in our state’s energy resources and, in turn, provide significant revenues back to our country, state, and local communities from energy production.
Utah taxpayers and employers have a vested interest in ensuring our nation has the infrastructure it needs to keep energy affordable, power our economy, and meet rising demand. Without reform, we’re denying ourselves future opportunities in energy, housing, manufacturing, transportation, and technology.
Fortunately, Utah is home to elected officials who are already taking meaningful steps to address these challenges. Senator Mike Lee has emphasized the importance of reform, stating that by securing permitting reform, we can unleash American energy and “keep our industries strong and help Utah families thrive.” Senator John Curtis also has been working closely with business leaders across the state to better understand how federal permitting delays are stalling energy development and economic opportunities. In addition, Representative Celeste Maloy recently met with the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems for a conversation focused on maintaining reliable and affordable energy for communities across the state.
The Trump Administration has placed an emphasis on an American energy dominance agenda and our representatives in Washington, D.C. need to continue to work with their colleagues in Congress to pass permitting reform on behalf of all Utah. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently cited permitting reform as the next crucial step in advancing this agenda and he’s right.
Together, these efforts reflect a growing recognition that meaningful federal permitting reform is essential to safeguarding Utah’s economic future and energy security. While leaders across the state have acknowledged the urgent need to modernize the system, the challenge now is not just awareness, but immediate action.
Utah’s federal delegation has a strong record of championing sensible, pro-growth reforms. I urge them to continue leading on this issue and to help build a permitting system that works for today’s economy.
Billy Hesterman is President of the Utah Taxpayers Association.
