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** Building Utah's Future: Energy, Housing, and Opportunity
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To maintain the exceptional quality of life we're known for, Utah must continue investing in energy and expanding our housing infrastructure.

I recently spoke with Alec Stapp ([link removed]) , co-founder and co-CEO of the Institute for Progress ([link removed]) on the subject. Alec and I talked about how Utah's investments in nuclear energy, solar power, and innovative hydrogen initiatives exemplify our commitment to building an abundant energy future. We discussed the importance of streamlining regulatory processes to unleash our state's potential and the need for collaborative efforts to construct attainable housing, especially starter homes, so every Utahn can flourish here.

Utah's legacy has always been one of overcoming obstacles and building together. Our future success depends on continuing that tradition — taking bold action, rejecting false choices, and ensuring we leave a state of prosperity for generations to come.

Watch my full discussion with Alec here ([link removed]) .


** Land Exchange Unlocks New Opportunities for Utah’s Economy and Public Schools

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Gov. Cox, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and Utah Trust Lands Administration Executive Director Michelle McConkie finalized a historic land exchange between Utah and the federal government.

The John D. Dingell, Jr. Act Land Exchange consolidates scattered Trust Lands parcels, streamlining development, expanding economic opportunities, and benefiting communities statewide. With nearly 90,000 acres now under the Trust Lands Administration, Utah will see new opportunities for energy production and critical mineral extraction — key steps in securing our state’s economic future. This exchange will also generate revenue to directly support Utah’s public schools by improving education and funding essential state services.

This agreement is the culmination of years of dedicated work by Trust Lands employees and state officials, who navigated the process with persistence and expertise.
Read more > ([link removed])


** Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games
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Utah is ready to welcome the world — again! With the formation of the Organizing Committee, we're prepared to build a Games that unites, inspires, and strengthens our legacy as the state of sport.

Leading the charge are Executive Chair & President Fraser Bullock, Vice Chair & CEO Brad Wilson, and Vice Chair Steve Starks — visionary leaders who will help bring the world back to Utah. Gov. Cox will serve as an Honorary Chair along with Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall as well as Honorary Vice Chairs Utah Senate President Stuart Adams and Utah Speaker of the House Mike Schultz.

Through collaboration and service, we’ll once again deliver a Games that showcases the best of our state and brings people together on the global stage.
See the photos > ([link removed])


** A Conversation: American Covenant
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The Constitution isn't merely a historic document — it actively offers solutions to today's challenges, especially our growing political discord.

I was honored to moderate an insightful conversation between constitutional scholar Yuval Levin and Judge Thomas Griffith. Our discussion underscored how the balance between state and federal power can encourage more practical, cooperative problem-solving at the local level, rather than fueling divisive national debates.

Conversations like these remind us that we all have a role to play in strengthening our republic by leaning into dialogue and understanding.


** Utah/Navajo Nation Reach Landmark Agreement

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After more than a century of negotiations, the State of Utah and the Navajo Nation reached a historic agreement, formalized in the signing of an Interlocutory Decree. This decree grants the Navajo Nation 81,500 acre-feet of fully quantified and adjudicated federal reserved water rights annually. Lt. Gov. Henderson highlighted how Utah's beehive spirit of collaboration made this possible.

This milestone is the culmination of decades of dedicated work by federal and state officials and the Navajo Nation. We are thankful for their resilience and persistence.
See more photos > ([link removed])


** Utah’s Thriving Life Science Industry
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Lt. Gov. Henderson joined R&D Program Manager at Stryker, Faith Chamas, in a Fireside Chat at the BioHive conference last week to discuss Utah’s thriving life science industry. In recent years, the industry has significantly boosted our state's economy, contributing $8.5 billion to the GDP and providing 55,893 direct jobs, with over 2,000 businesses across 21 counties.

Our state helps foster public-private partnerships between universities, industry, and government, driving innovation and putting Utah at the forefront of the life science industry in our nation.


** Agency updates
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Utah Department of Agriculture and Food staff participated in Utah Farm Bureau's Day on the Hill ([link removed]) and Farmers Market Day on the Hill ([link removed]) last week, connecting with local farmers and food producers to understand their needs and share available programs.

Workforce Services partnered with Big-D Construction to develop a concrete laying internship for youth, providing hands-on experience in the construction industry. In less than a year, Workforce Services assisted eight youth in completing internships and provided wage reimbursement to the employer. Watch this video ([link removed]) to learn more.

The Mantua Fish Hatchery recently completed construction on a new facility that will improve efficiency and increase production of the trout egg supply for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources fish hatcheries that stock fish across Utah. Read more > ([link removed])

Congratulations to the 28 Utah libraries ([link removed]) awarded the Quality Library designation by the Utah State Library Division. This honor recognizes excellence in service, highlighting their dedication to patrons and commitment to enriching communities across the state.

Gov. Cox and advocate Pamela Atkinson encourage Utahns to support those experiencing homelessness (many for the first time) by donating to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account on their state tax returns. Donations fund emergency shelters, supportive services, and housing programs statewide. Learn more > ([link removed])

Water experts are concerned about below-normal soil moisture and snowpack, with extreme drought ([link removed]) returning to Utah for the first time since March 2023. Despite strong reservoir levels ([link removed]) from past snowfall, continued water conservation is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for the state.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services met with leaders from all eight Utah tribes and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson at the Utah Indian Health Advisory Board retreat.

DHHS created the Office of American Indian/Alaska Native Health and Family Services in 2022 to improve data and collaboration, supporting tribal health initiatives.

Launched by Gov. Cox in 2022, the One Utah Health Collaborative
released the state's first-ever Spending Growth Trends Report, providing unprecedented insights into Utah's annual healthcare expenditures. This landmark report sets the stage for an upcoming cost driver analysis, aiming to foster smarter spending and improved care for Utah's healthcare system. Read more > ([link removed])

The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute launched Utah’s first Get Started: Business Idea Challenge to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Offering up to $500 for prototyping, market validation, and licensing, this monthly challenge helps Utahns 18+ turn ideas into reality. Learn more > ([link removed])

Operation Gigawatt is Gov. Cox's ambitious plan to create energy abundance now and for generations to come. As electricity demand grows, the Utah Office of Energy Development is exploring how to expand the state's energy portfolio, including adding nuclear. Learn more ([link removed]) about this reliable energy resource.

Aspen Rowley, a sixth-grader at Sage Hills Elementary, was named "Kindest Kid in America." She received a gold medal from Saratoga Springs Mayor Jim Miller and a video from Gov. Cox. “It’s just the feeling I get when I’m kind,” Aspen said. “You complimented someone, and it made them feel good, which means you made them feel good!”


** 🗞️ ICYMI
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⚡ Utah’s Senate Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee unanimously votes to form the Utah Energy Council in conjunction with Operation Gigawatt. Read more > ([link removed])

👮 Gov. Cox appoints Jared Garcia as the new executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections. Learn more > ([link removed])

🚔 Brian Redd, former executive director of the Utah Department of Corrections, has been appointed to serve as the next Police Chief of Salt Lake City. Find out more > ([link removed])

🏞️ Gov. Cox names Tim Davis as Interim Executive Director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Read more > ([link removed](Feb.%2019,by%20the%20Utah%20State%20Senate.)

🏛️ Utah serves as a model for other states in addressing childhood bereavement. Learn more > ([link removed])

🌽 Gov. Cox meets with United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins at the White House during the 2025 winter NGA meeting. Read more > ([link removed])

💡 Utah lawmakers are banking on a nuclear energy future. Find out more > ([link removed])

🏡 Gov. Cox signs an executive order to streamline Utah’s permitting process to speed up housing and energy projects. Read more > ([link removed])

🛫 Breeze Airways expands Utah headquarters, bringing jobs and investment! Learn more > ([link removed])

🏛️ Gov. Cox meets with United States Senators Mike Lee and John Curtis during the 2025 winter NGA meeting. Find out more > ([link removed])

⚛️ Gov. Cox speaks with the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council about the urgent need to build advanced nuclear energy capacity. Read more > ([link removed])

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