One big thing:
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz says lawmakers are pursuing a two-track plan to lower gas prices: boost fuel supply long-term and cut the gas tax short-term.
Why it matters:
Schultz frames gas prices as part of a broader cost-of-living squeeze, arguing Utah families need immediate relief while the state builds more durable energy capacity.
Driving the news:
Schultz says starting July 1, Utah will cut the gas tax by 15%, which he says will put “real money back in your pocket every fill up.”
The strategy (in his words):
“Increase the supply because more supply means lower prices. It’s basic economics.”
How Utah plans to increase supply:
- More in-state fuel production: Schultz says industry leaders have committed to producing more fuel “right here at home.”
- Faster pipeline permitting: He points to HB 575 (sponsored by Rep. Cal Roberts) to streamline permitting and cut red tape for pipelines coming into Utah.
- More pipelines, fewer trucks: Schultz argues additional pipelines would:
- Take big trucks off the road, reducing “wear and tear and emissions.”
- Increase in-state supply, driving down costs.
- New storage capacity: He cites investment in storage solutions, including salt caverns in Delta, to strengthen long-term energy resilience.
The bottom line:
Schultz says the goal is “lower prices, stronger supply and a more secure future for Utah.”
