Happy Friday from #OneUtah, a weekly update from the office of Gov. Spencer J. Cox. Here’s your recap of what we did this week, what's on the horizon, and more.

A reminder about mental health

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out. Talk to someone you trust, call 988, or use the SafeUT app, a state-funded crisis chat and tip line, which experts say is saving the lives of at least two Utah students per day.

Help is available, and we need you here.

And if you – or someone you know – fear for your safety due to stalking or intimate partner violence, please contact the statewide domestic violence info line at 1-800-897-5465 for help, including counseling, shelter, transportation, and other services.

Honoring a mentor, friend, and leader

It was a great honor to be part of the opening of Utah Valley University’s first and only public policy institute which is named for an outstanding mentor, friend, and governor, Gary R. Herbert.

The Herbert Institute will be a center where UVU students can learn about this great leader and what good government looks like.

Congratulations to President Astrid Tuminez for her visionary effort to create a place where the next generation of Utah’s policy leaders can gather, hear from diverse thought leaders, and learn about what makes Utah and our country great. And to Gov. Herbert: Congratulations on this monumental achievement. Your legacy of good governance and public service will benefit UVU and the state of Utah for years to come.

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Meeting with GoUtah and local business leaders

The Go Utah Board promotes and encourages economic opportunity for all Utahns and the state’s commercial, financial, industrial, agricultural, and civic welfare. This week we were happy to join their board on two trips to Utah businesses.

First we met with Entrata, the leading operating system for multifamily communities worldwide. We discussed housing and growth in our state, Entrata’s community service, and more. We look forward to visiting again soon!

We also toured the Rio Tinto Kennecott mine, a world-class, integrated copper mining operation and major employer in Utah. We appreciate Rio Tinto Kennecott’s commitment to supporting and participating in the state’s economic growth, environmental protection, and community support!

Staying focused on families and children in Utah

We’re staying focused on families and children in Utah. On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson chaired the Governor's Early Childhood Commission with leaders from across state government. We’re happy to report the commission is laser-focused on coordinating and streamlining support services and bolstering resources for families with young children, including with the DHHS Office of Early Childhood.

Thanks to the commission for doing such important work for the Beehive State.

We’re also re-examining some of the policies and ideas that we think can make Utah an even better place to live and raise a family. Stay tuned!

PBS Utah Monthly News Conference 

This week we answered questions at the PBS Monthly News Conference in a live exchange with reporters. Here are a couple topics we discussed: 

Q: With school starting, how are we making schools safer?
A: The SafeUT app, while mainly used for helping with students’ mental health, can also be used for school safety. It gives kids and parents the ability to anonymously connect with law enforcement to report any type of bullying or suspicious behavior. We’ve received close to 300 tips over the past year — some of which pointed to potential violence — so we’re glad law enforcement could step in and intervene early. 

Over the summer, the Utah Department of Public Safety has also been working very closely with school districts, the state superintendent, and the state school board to make sure everyone is implementing safety measures in every one of our schools. They’ve checked to make sure everyone is using proper training and that the schools’ ingress and egress are figured out in a way that will add additional safety. We also have resource officers in many of our schools that are available to help with any issues that may arise in schools.

Q: What’s your take on the energy provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act?
A:  It’s closer to a better approach. We have a unique opportunity in Utah to seek out an all-of-the-above energy approach that will ultimately lead to much better outcomes, and we appreciate the emphasis on both sides of the energy ledger. There’s tremendous potential in Utah for solar, wind, geothermal, hydrogen, and more.

However, the most important thing that can come out of this legislation wasn’t actually in the legislation — we’re told part of the deal to get that legislation passed is permitting reform. The National Environmental Protection Act has unfortunately prevented, slowed down, or increased the cost of big projects that we know would have a good impact on the environment. Here in Utah we’ve seen NEPA slow down transmission lines. As we’re trying to electrify things we do, like driving, we need to be able to transmit electricity, and in Utah it can take seven to 10 years to get these projects off the ground.

We care about the climate and about reducing emissions, but we must find ways to greatly increase the speed at which we’re able to build these transmission lines.

You can watch the press conference in its entirety here.

Discussing the Utah way, conservation, and more

We also joined Washington Post reporter Jacqueline Alemany for a live discussion. Here’s a look at a few of the questions we answered:

Q: How are you protecting the Great Salt Lake? 
A: Historically, the state of Utah had a “use it or lose it” mentality. We changed that mentality in the state and set aside $40 million to purchase water rights from holders which allows farmers and ranchers to keep their water in the streambed. That is going to have a tremendous effect on the Great Salt Lake water levels. 

We are using some great nonprofits to help us with preserving waterways and improving animal sanctuaries. We are also doing a significant amount of work to remove invasive species, which will leave more water in the stream and the Great Salt Lake. 

We are also working with the federal government. There has been legislation run by members of Congress from the state of Utah with support from leadership in both parties to help us get some resources here as well as the Army Corps of Engineers who will help us understand what is happening with the lake and what we can do to save it.   

Q: Why are Utahns able to compromise on such difficult issues?
A: Utahns are great at this. There are so many areas where we are not that far apart, and either side being willing to compromise a little bit would solve 90% of our problems and build bonds that bring Republicans and Democrats together. 

Q: How are you addressing systemic issues that are tied in to abortion care?  
A: One is trying to prevent unwanted pregnancies as much as possible. Access to contraception is one area that we can do more. 

Supporting mothers, especially single mothers, who are living in poverty through access to child care and making health care more available is another aspect we are looking at as a state. 

In addition, we are looking at ways to hold men more accountable. We recently passed a policy change that prohibited the procurement of hunting and fishing licenses for those men who are behind in their child support payments and we have seen that be successful.

I am hoping we have several policy proposals passed in the Legislature that will show that we do care about all life — life in the womb but especially life after birth and the women who are far too often bearing the responsibility of caring for these children. 

Watch the discussion here.

Addressing drought in the West

We’re continuing to share ways in which the state is working to conserve water and plan for a drier future. This week, we’re talking about cross-state collaboration.

One-third of Utahns rely on the Colorado River for drinking water, and the river is a major contributor to the state’s $189 billion economy. When it comes to resources like the Colorado River, Utah must work with neighboring states to preserve and protect water.

This is especially urgent given that far more Colorado River water is being used, especially by the Lower Basin states, than is available due to the current drought and climate change impacts. Recent estimates based on last year’s use show the Lower Basin and Mexico are using about 10 million acre-feet, the Upper Basin states are using about 3.5 million acre-feet and the available flow is only around 6.3 million acre-feet.

We're all going to have to cut back. But Lower Basin states use more than twice the water than Upper Basin states, so it makes sense that the greatest cuts should be shouldered by the Lower Basin.

We support long-term reductions in use over short-term fixes if we are truly going to sustain the system. Utah, along with the other Upper Basin states, will continue to do our part to conserve and bring solutions to the table.

Read more about how we’re addressing drought in the West here.

Closing a chapter in Utah history

For 71 years, the Draper prison served the people of Utah as a facility focused on keeping us safe. But over the years, we developed better ways to secure those who were paying their debt to society while at the same time teaching them to rebuild their lives and find a productive future on the outside. The transfer to the new State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake will fulfill this new mission more fully. 

This week we were able to recognize those who made the transfer of 2,464 incarcerated individuals possible. We were also able to honor Gov. Gary Herbert for his initiation and support for the prison movement from day one. 

The Draper Prison Chapel will be preserved in recognition of its significance in the lives of many Utahns. As we close this chapter, we acknowledge the former Draper Prison and look forward to the future.

How to visit rock imagery sites safely

Rock imagery sites in Utah preserve important messages of the past. Familiar symbols etched into colorful rock formations communicate messages from early Native Americans intended for their posterity.

These tips will help you appreciate rock imagery locations respectfully and in the interest of preservation.

Spotlighting Utah’s ‘Spirit of Service’

In our inaugural Governor’s Spirit of Service Award Ceremony, we recently recognized the outstanding service that Utahns are doing throughout the state. Each week, we’ll highlight one of these unsung heroes. This week, we’re highlighting the Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering Center.

Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering Center works to prevent individuals from having to surrender their pets by providing shelter when someone is experiencing a crisis, temporary hardships, medical emergencies and more.

Read more about Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering Center and the other honorees here.

ICYMI

-- We’re proud to report that the executive branch took the trophy — figuratively — at this year’s executive-legislative softball game. We appreciate the legislative branch’s good sportsmanship and look forward to next year’s match!

-- Speaking of baseball … we’d love to welcome an MLB team to Utah soon. 

-- Now for the most important baseball-related item to attend to: We’re incredibly proud of the Snow Canyon Little League baseball team for making it to the Little League World Series! But we were devastated to hear about one player’s recent injuries. Please join us in praying for Easton Oliverson, his family, and his team. You can also show support with one of the team’s hats.

-- KSL NewsRadio’s “Let Me Speak to the Governor” is back! This month, we answered your questions about water conservation, transportation projects, and more. Listen here!

-- On Mondays we wear pink? Lt. Gov. Henderson joined ABC4’s Good Things Utah on Monday to give a brief update on the state of the Beehive State. She picked out a pink blazer that morning – and so did the hosts. Watch the segment here.

-- Good news for conservation efforts: Weber Basin’s study of metered usage in the 2021 season concluded that the presence of meters reduced consumption by 20% to 29%. Read the Standard-Examiner story here.

-- Vote Utah launched a new TikTok account this week! Staff from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office will explore voting in the Beehive State, notary public, entity registration, document authentication, and other responsibilities that fall under the lieutenant governor’s role. Follow Vote Utah on TikTok here.

Coming up

Aug. 22: We’ll welcome many of Utah’s mayors to the Capitol and to the Governor’s Mansion to learn more about their communities and thank them for their service.

Aug. 22: Lt. Gov. Henderson will host a luncheon for yet another successful class of returnees. The third Return Utah cohort is wrapping up before the next group starts the 16-week return-to-work program.

Aug. 25: Join us for a free, in-person discussion with the Women’s Leadership Institute about how to elevate Utah women in leadership. Details here.

Aug. 25-26: Lt. Gov. Henderson will connect with local leaders in Weber County on Thursday and Box Elder County on Friday. Don’t miss her at the 97th Annual Box Elder County Fair in Tremonton. It’s gonna be fun!

Sept. 1: We’ll help host a town hall with Utah’s agricultural community. Stay tuned for details!

Get involved!

Looking for a new job opportunity? From great employee benefits to versatile work schedules, the career opportunities with the state are truly endless. Join Team Utah today! 

Those looking to volunteer can also consider more than 300 boards and commissions. Find out which openings are available and how you can get involved here!

Get in touch!

You can reach the Governor's Office here. And you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest news and updates.

Contact the Governor's Office