Utah legislation · 2026 General Session
Utah HB401: Geothermal Study Amendments
Status: Signed into law, March 25, 2026
This bill directs Utah State University to conduct a study on the geological and environmental impacts of geothermal energy development.
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, March 11, 2026:
0 Geothermal Study Amendments 2026 GENERAL SESSION STATE OF UTAH Chief Sponsor: Christine F. Watkins Senate Sponsor: David P. Hinkins LONG TITLE General Description: This bill directs Utah State University to conduct a study on the geological and environmental impacts of geothermal energy development. Highlighted Provisions: This bill: - directs Utah State University to conduct a study on the geological and environmental impacts of geothermal energy development in the state; - requires Utah State University to report findings to the Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee; and - provides a repeal date. Money Appropriated in this Bill: None Other Special Clauses: None Utah Code Sections Affected: AMENDS: 63I-2-279 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2025, Chapter 258 ENACTS: 79-6-410 , Utah Code Annotated 1953 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah: Section 1. Section 63I-2-279 is amended to read: 63I-2-279 . Repeal dates: Title 79. (1) Section 79-2-407 , Study of funding for water infrastructure costs, is repealed July 1, 2025. (2) Subsection 79-4-1002(2) , regarding a pilot program for veteran free admission to state parks, is repealed July 1, 2025. (3) Section 79-6-410 , Geothermal energy facilities study, is repealed July 1, 2028. (3) (4) Title 79, Chapter 6, Part 14, Energy Project Assessment, is repealed January 1, 2028. Section 2. Section …
Sponsors
- Watkins, Christine F. (R, 67) · primary sponsor
- David Hinkins (R, 26)
Latest actions
- : Governor Signed
- : House/ to Governor
- : House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
- : House/ enrolled bill to Printing
- : Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
- : Draft of Enrolled Bill Prepared
- : Bill Received from House for Enrolling
- : House/ signed by Speaker/ sent for enrolling
- : House/ received from Senate
- : Senate/ to House
Votes
- Senate/ passed 2nd & 3rd readings/ suspension (March 5, 2026): 26 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House/ concurs with Senate amendment (March 5, 2026): 66 yea, 4 nay, passed
- Senate/ passed 2nd reading (February 25, 2026): 23 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation (February 18, 2026): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House/ passed 3rd reading (February 12, 2026): 61 yea, 10 nay, passed
- House Comm - Favorable Recommendation (February 3, 2026): 8 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Public Utilities and Technology, Energy, Office of Energy Development, Clean Energy, Higher Education
Common questions
- What is HB401?
- HB401 is a bill in the Utah Legislature (2026 General Session): Geothermal Study Amendments.
- What does HB401 do?
- This bill directs Utah State University to conduct a study on the geological and environmental impacts of geothermal energy development.
- What is the status of HB401?
- Signed into law as of March 25, 2026. Latest action: Governor Signed (March 25, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB401?
- Watkins, Christine F. (R, 67), with 1 co-sponsor.
- Where is the official record for HB401?
- On the Utah Legislature website: https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0401.html
Source: official Utah record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.