Utah Code § 40-8-5.5: Fast track permitting for critical minerals.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Critical mineral" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101.

(b) "Critical minerals project" means an activity requiring one or more state permits related to the extraction or processing of a critical mineral.

(c) "Critical minerals zone" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101.

(d) "Permit" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101.

(2)

(a) The division shall prioritize division resources to process a permit that is:

(i) requested to be issued by the division; and

(ii) related to a critical minerals project described in Subsection (2)(b).

(b) This Subsection (2) applies to a critical minerals project that is:

(i) for the extraction or processing of a critical mineral within a critical minerals zone; or

(ii) included in the strategic plan developed by the Critical Minerals Council under Subsection 79-10-302(1).

(3) The division shall work cooperatively with the Department of Environmental Quality to develop processes under which permits for a critical minerals project described in Subsection (2)(b) that are issued by the division and the Department of Environmental Quality:

(a) may be issued at parallel times rather than sequentially; and

(b) minimize the need for a person to comply with duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting requirements.

(4) Nothing in this section abrogates or interferes with the powers or duties of the Department of Environmental Quality.