79-10-302. Powers and duties of the council.

530 words·~2 min read·/ut/title-79/chapter-10/79-10-302

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

Effective 5/6/2026

(1)The council shall:

(a)develop a strategic plan to prioritize activities and projects related to the exploration, development, production, and processing of critical minerals in the state consistent with the state's critical minerals objectives and policy as outlined in Section 79-10-201 ;

(b)ensure that efforts among Utah public, private, and academic partners regarding critical minerals are coordinated efficiently and effectively;

(c)act as a clearinghouse for information related to federal, state, or local grants and determine whether a grant application is consistent with the strategic plan developed under Subsection (1)(a) ;

(d)investigate and participate in studies of problems unique to the exploration, development, production, and processing of critical minerals in the state;

(e)oversee the development of the center in accordance with Part 6, Minerals for Industrial, National, and Economic Security Center;

(f)take actions consistent with this chapter to promote, protect, and stabilize the critical minerals industry;

(g)cooperate with local, state, or national organizations engaged in activities similar to those of the council;

(h)partner with other western states for the development of critical minerals mining and processing capabilities;

(i)accept grants, donations, or gifts for use consistent with this chapter;

(j)catalyze critical minerals extraction and processing for industries in the state;

(k)accelerate development of critical minerals zones in the state for extraction and processing of critical minerals;

(l)identify transportation and logistics needs and strategic investments to facilitate high-capacity, efficient handling of critical minerals; and

(m)advise the Legislature about the need, if any, for legislative action.

(2)The council may enter into agreements necessary to fulfill the council's duties.

(3)The council may make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, creating a dispute resolution process to resolve conflicts between agencies or private entities represented by a member of the council.

(a)The council may organize standing or ad hoc committees that operate in accordance with guidelines established by the council, regarding specific state and industry needs related to critical minerals development, including:

(i)education and workforce needs;

(ii)research and commercialization;

(iii)entrepreneurship and investment;

(iv)aerospace and defense requirements;

(v)logistics and infrastructure;

(vi)international trade; or

(vii)other needs related to critical minerals development.

(b)The council may appoint a member of a standing or ad hoc committee that is not a member of the council.

(a)The council shall report annually by no later than October 1 to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee.

(b)The report required by this Subsection

(5)shall include information regarding:

(i)the state's progress towards the objectives described in Subsection 79-10-201(1) ;

(ii)critical minerals zones as required by Section 79-10-402 ;

(iii)the state's progress towards development of the center, including the center's activities and fiscal needs; and

(iv)the Critical Minerals Development Account required by Section 79-10-701 .

(6)Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, the council may not:

(a)interfere with or impair the statutory authority of a state agency to issue a permit; or

(b)vote on an individual permit.

Enacted by Chapter 493 , 2026 General Session