utah
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Supreme Court to review halted Utah rail project approval
The Supreme Court will decide if a key approval for the Uinta Basin Railway project in Utah can be reinstated, affecting local oil transport and production.
Mark Sherman and Mead Gruver report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- The Uinta Basin Railway would connect Utah oil producers to larger markets, boosting daily crude shipment by 350,000 barrels.
- Environmental groups and Colorado officials oppose the project due to spill risks and increased fossil fuel use.
- The Supreme Court will determine if the Surface Transportation Board's environmental review was adequate.
Key quote:
“This project is vital for the economic growth and connectivity of the Uinta Basin region and we are committed to seeing it through.”
— Keith Heaton, director of the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition
Why this matters:
The decision impacts economic growth in rural Utah and environmental safety in Colorado. Approval could increase oil production and transport, raising climate change concerns.
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Colorado lawmakers push EPA to review Utah oil facility pollution permits
Two Colorado legislators are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to scrutinize pollution permits for Utah oil transport facilities, fearing expansions could harm residents and wildlife across state lines.
In short:
- Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Joe Neguse have asked the EPA to examine pollution permits for three Utah oil transport facilities.
- The lawmakers expressed concern about potential oil spills impacting the Colorado River, a critical water source for 40 million people and 30 tribal nations.
- They also questioned the effectiveness and enforcement of emission control measures in the permit applications.
Key quote:
“A train derailment that spills oil in the Colorado River’s headwaters would be disastrous to our state’s water supplies, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation assets.”
— Sen. Michael Bennet (D) and Rep. Joe Neguse (D)
Why this matters:
The expansion of these facilities could significantly increase the risk of environmental damage from oil spills, threatening water resources and ecosystems across multiple states. Residents in both states have expressed fears about the potential for increased pollution, highlighting the need for a regional approach to environmental management.
Related EHN coverage:
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Plans for lithium project raise environmental concerns in Utah
An Australian company’s plan to extract lithium in Utah faces criticism over water usage and potential radioactive contamination.
In short:
- The Utah Division of Water Resources approved A1 Lithium’s application to drill wells near Green River.
- Environmental groups argue the project’s high water usage and proximity to a radioactive aquifer pose risks.
- A1 Lithium asserts the project will be environmentally sustainable and provide local jobs.
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of uncertainty. I’m not anti-lithium. I’m pro public welfare.”
— Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network
Why this matters:
Lithium extraction is vital for electric vehicle production, but it raises environmental and public health concerns, particularly regarding water usage and contamination risks. Lithium extraction is notoriously water-intensive, raising alarms in an already arid state where water scarcity is a pressing issue. Local communities and environmental advocates argue that diverting water for mining operations could exacerbate the drought conditions affecting Utah.
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The plight of Wilson's phalarope and the Great Salt Lake's future
In Utah, the iconic Wilson's phalarope is at risk due to the drastic reduction of the Great Salt Lake, exacerbated by excessive water usage and climate change.
In short:
- The Great Salt Lake, critical to many species, is rapidly shrinking, with water levels dangerously low due to regional agricultural demands and climatic shifts.
- Environmental groups have petitioned for the phalarope to be listed as threatened, potentially triggering federal conservation actions.
- State and local efforts focus on improving water inflow to the lake, with a goal to restore significant water levels within five years.
Key quote:
"Our point is not to get a species on a list. Our point is to prevent extinction."
— Patrick Donnelly, director of the Great Basin for the Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
Both Wilson's and Red-necked phalaropes depend on the lake as a critical stopover during their migration to feed and rest. The Great Salt Lake offers abundant brine flies and shrimp, essential food sources for these birds. As the lake shrinks, the salinity levels rise, which can negatively impact the brine shrimp and flies, thus depleting the food resources necessary for the survival of phalaropes during their migratory journey.
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Utah legislature passes bill to maintain coal power plant operations
A new bill has been passed to secure the future of a coal-fired power plant in Utah.
In short:
- Utah's Legislature approved a bill to preserve the Intermountain Power Project, ensuring its operation past the planned 2025 closure.
- The bill establishes a state authority to buy the plant at market price and requires comprehensive environmental and regulatory compliance assessments.
- Concerns arise over the impact on cleaner energy transitions and financial implications for Utah municipalities.
Key quote:
"To achieve energy security, colleagues, we must protect Utah's energy resources, our independence, and our infrastructure,"
— Rep. Carl Albrecht, House sponsor of the bill
Why this matters:
The decision to keep the coal plant operational contributes to Utah's energy security during a transitional period. However, it poses significant questions about environmental sustainability and economic impact on local communities, highlighting the tension between maintaining traditional energy sources and moving toward cleaner alternatives.
Did you know? When coal plants decrease pollution or shut down, people have fewer asthma attacks.
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Utah's lithium extraction raises environmental concerns
In Utah, a new lithium extraction project is sparking debate over its potential impact on the Colorado River's water resources.
Suman Naishadham and Brittany Peterson report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- An Australian company plans to extract lithium from Utah's Paradox Basin, raising questions about the impact on the Colorado River.
- The extraction process, using saline water and chemicals, is seen as less disruptive but raises environmental concerns.
- The project is part of a global increase in lithium production for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy storage.
Key quote:
"We need to have a renewable energy transition, but maybe we shouldn’t be looking for these kinds of quick-fix energy solutions on a drought-stricken river."
— Lauren Wood, Green River resident.
Why this matters:
This article highlights the delicate balance between advancing renewable energy and protecting vital water resources. It underscores the importance of sustainable practices in the pursuit of environmental goals, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.
Shannon Kelleher’s piece in the New Lede (republished on Environmental Health News last year) notes that in the push to mine for minerals, clean energy advocates are asking what going green really means.
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Utah legislature takes aim at rights of nature movement
Nonhuman entities like corporations and municipalities have long had “legal personhood” in U.S. law. Now, Utah lawmakers want to prevent lakes, forests and other parts of nature from having the same legal status.
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