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** Letter from Gov. Cox: Energy Superabundance
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Across the country, we’re starting to recognize that many of today’s energy constraints trace back to yesterday’s choices. But here in the West, we believe we can chart a better course that strengthens our grid, our economy, and our future.

That belief is at the heart of Energy Superabundance: Unlocking Prosperity in the West, a new Western Governors’ Association initiative ([link removed]) I’m proud to lead. It’s a commonsense, all-of-the-above strategy that keeps reliable traditional fuels online while accelerating nuclear, geothermal, solar, storage, and more. And it reflects things we value in Utah: innovation, abundance, and security.

In the year ahead, we’ll focus on scaling advanced technologies that can run around the clock, building transmission lines that actually reach new neighborhoods, and pairing generation with storage to ensure the lights come on when you flip the switch. Threaded through all of it is the urgent need for permitting reform, because good ideas don’t help anyone when they’re stuck waiting for approval.

As chair of the Western Governors’ Association, I’m excited for Utah to help lead this charge. Together, we’ll write a new chapter of American prosperity.

Sincerely,


** America 250 - Utah Kickoff
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Yesterday, on the south steps of the Capitol, we launched a year-long celebration of America’s semiquincentennial. Here in Utah, we still believe in the promise of our founding ideals: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And we’re convinced that by recommitting to those truths, we’ll do more than mark 250 years; we’ll help secure the next 250. That means serving one another, strengthening our neighborhoods, and remembering that unity doesn’t require thinking the same — unity means building something together.

Throughout the coming months, we’ll invite every Utahn to share their light in service, contribute a family dish to their neighborhood “America’s Potluck,” and record stories that showcase Utah ingenuity, compassion, and grit. Construction of the new Museum of Utah is already underway to capture those stories and to remind visitors how Utahns have always come together to overcome challenges and forge a stronger future.

Join us in this statewide salute to unity and the American spirit. Explore events, service opportunities, and ways to participate at america250.utah.gov.
See photos > ([link removed])
Watch the Gov’s remarks > ([link removed])


** Wildland Firefighter Day in Utah
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Today, I issued a declaration ([link removed]) to honor the courageous wildland firefighters who protect our homes, families, and landscapes. These heroes face incredible risks to keep us safe and defend the places we love. We owe them our gratitude, and that starts with doing our part to prevent the next fire.

So far this year, Utah has experienced 438 wildfires, with 331 caused by human activity. As we head into Independence Day, I’m urging all Utahns to be responsible with fireworks and follow local fire safety guidelines.

Use your Fire Sense ([link removed]) :
* Leave fireworks to the pros this year
* Drown, stir, repeat until your campfire is out cold
* Keep chains from dragging on roads

Let’s do our part this season.


** UK Energy Tour

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Last week, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson led a delegation of Utah lawmakers and energy leaders on a trade mission to the UK to strengthen partnerships and advance our energy strategy under Operation Gigawatt.

The group met with British and Welsh government officials, private-sector innovators, and U.S. embassy representatives to explore the UK’s integrated approach to nuclear energy, where public policy and private enterprise work together to drive innovation. A visit to Rolls-Royce, recently selected to lead the UK’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) program, underscored the role of strategic investment in supply chains and workforce training.

We remain committed to Operation Gigawatt’s goal of doubling Utah’s energy production over the next decade. I’m grateful to Lt. Gov. Henderson, Sen. Scott Sandall, Rep. Carl Albrecht, and stakeholders from GOEO, DNR, DEQ, and the USU Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air for helping position Utah as a national leader in next-generation energy.


** West Valley City University Hospital Groundbreaking
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Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson joined local leaders and community members to break ground on the new University of Utah Hospital in West Valley City. This is the university’s first full-service hospital and health campus built off the main campus. The new facility will expand access to quality care, create jobs, and offer training opportunities for residents across the valley.


** State agency updates
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Alpine School District broke ground last month on a new high school in Saratoga Springs that will open in summer 2028, serve the Westlake and Cedar Valley boundaries, and become one of Utah’s largest. This is an important milestone for this fast-growing community and its students.

Explore job opportunities and meet with employers - all from the comfort of your home. The Department of Workforce Services statewide virtual job fair is Thursday, July 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register for the event and find a complete list of participating employers at jobs.utah.gov. ([link removed])

The Utah Department of Corrections hosted a Reentry Through Employment Symposium to address barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated individuals. Speakers included justice-involved employees and business leaders. UDC is working with local chambers to connect employers with jobseekers who have criminal histories—a key step in successful reentry.

Join the Utah Pin Quest! The Utah Historical Society, a division of the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, invites you to collect 10 exclusive pin designs from locations statewide. This campaign promotes visiting Utah's historical sites, museums, and state parks in anticipation of the Museum of Utah's 2026 opening. Learn more > ([link removed])

As part of its Every Kid Outdoors Adventure Challenge Initiative, the Division of Outdoor Recreation hosted 50 refugee youth for a three-day campout, many experiencing camping for the first time. The camp built outdoor skills, confidence and connection through hands-on activities and generous community support.

Inspiring speakers, cultural performances, and meaningful connections are all part of the 2025 Utah Native American Summit on Aug. 1 at Utah Valley University. Hosted by the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, this year’s theme is Strengthen Sovereignty through CommUNITY. Register now > ([link removed])

A recent rise in private sector hiring shows businesses are confident about the future of Utah’s economy. Utah's May employment report measured job growth increasing by 2.5% and unemployment remaining low at 3.2%. This growth accounts for 42,900 new jobs in the past year.

If you didn’t draw a buck deer or bull elk permit during the hunt drawing earlier this year, the Utah Department of Natural Resources has one more opportunity for you to get a big game permit for this fall. Learn more > ([link removed])

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services hosted their annual Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon Lifetime Achievement Awards. The awards were established to honor DHHS employees who have demonstrated sustained excellence and made significant career-long contributions, embodying the remarkable characteristics and legacy of Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon.



** 🗞️ ICYMI
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**
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🇺🇸 Utah is ranked #1 most independent state in the nation. Discover more > ([link removed])

🏥 The Utah Department of Workforce Services report places Utah’s economy ahead of the national average, and our healthcare sector plays a large role. Learn more > ([link removed])

🧑‍💻 Gov. Cox outlines Utah’s new path for AI innovation and safety in new op-ed. See more > ([link removed])

🪨 Utah is building a future of abundance and security with its unmatched critical minerals and nuclear resources. Read more > ([link removed])

💻 Utah’s AI Policy Act works directly with companies and experts to test ideas, identify risks, and craft smart regulation. Discover more > ([link removed])

✈️ The Salt Lake City International Airport ranks within the top 10 best airports in America! Learn more > ([link removed])

🏃 Utahn Caleb Olson represents Utah by winning the Western States 100. Read more > ([link removed])


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