54-17-1301. Wildlife consultation required for utility scale renewable energy facilities.

384 words·~2 min read·/ut/title-54/chapter-17/54-17-1301

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Effective 5/6/2026

(1)As used in this section:

(a)"Division of Wildlife Resources" means the Division of Wildlife Resources created in Section 23A-2-201 .

(b)"Solar power plant" means a facility that:

(i)has a nameplate generating capacity in excess of 10 megawatts; and

(ii)converts sunlight into electricity.

(c)"Utility scale renewable energy facility" means a solar power plant or wind power plant.

(d)"Wind power plant" means a facility that:

(i)has a nameplate generating capacity in excess of 10 megawatts; and

(ii)converts wind energy into electricity.

(2)As part of an application for a permit to the appropriate local jurisdiction, an owner or operator of a utility scale renewable energy facility shall consult with the Division of Wildlife Resources regarding potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat.

(3)The consultation described in Subsection

(2)shall include:

(a)submission by the owner or operator to the Division of Wildlife Resources of project location, layout, timeline, and any wildlife surveys conducted;

(b)a meeting between the owner or operator and Division of Wildlife Resources personnel; and

(c)the Division of Wildlife Resources' recommendations for avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat.

(4)The Division of Wildlife Resources shall:

(a)within 30 days after the day on which the Division of Wildlife Resources receives a complete consultation request, provide the owner or operator with written recommendations; and

(b)make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, establishing consultation procedures and standards.

(5)An owner or operator shall include with an application to the appropriate local jurisdiction proof of consultation with the Division of Wildlife Resources and a description of measures the owner or operator will implement to address the Division of Wildlife Resources' recommendations.

(6)The appropriate local jurisdiction shall consider the Division of Wildlife Resources' recommendations when evaluating a permit application for a utility scale renewable energy facility.

(7)This section does not:

(a)grant the Division of Wildlife Resources authority to approve or deny a permit application;

(b)require an owner or operator to implement the Division of Wildlife Resources' recommendations; or

(c)limit local jurisdiction authority to approve or deny a permit application.

Enacted by Chapter 423 , 2026 General Session