Utah Legislative Session 2025: Key Updates for the Port

As the Utah Legislative Session wraps up, here’s what you need to know about legislation impacting the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and economic development efforts statewide:

SB 239 – UIPA Amendments Bill (Now Law!)

Sponsored by Senator Jerry Stevenson and Representative Jefferson Moss, this bill enhances UIPA’s operational flexibility and governance, supporting responsible economic growth and infrastructure investment.

Legislative Progress:

Senate Approval – Passed in the Utah State Senate
House Approval – Approved by the House of Representatives
Signed into Law – Governor Spencer Cox signed SB 239 into law on March 3, 2025

Key Provisions:

Flexible Project Area Durations – Allows timelines between 25-40 years, ensuring alignment with long-term business and infrastructure needs.
Strengthened Business Record Protections – Updates GRAMA policies to balance transparency and confidentiality for businesses.
Expanded Tax Differential Use – Enables targeted funding for infrastructure improvements near project areas, supporting industrial growth.
Enhanced State Oversight – Adds a Governor-appointed board member, strengthening state representation in key decisions.
Land Use Clarifications – Provides clear guidelines on landfill and distribution center restrictions to prevent development conflicts.

SB 250 – Community Development Modifications

This bill introduces new affordable housing initiatives by allowing UIPA to allocate revenue to nonprofit housing funds, helping low-income families achieve homeownership near project areas.

House Bill 249 Nuclear Power Amendments

House Bill 249 introduces significant changes to Utah’s approach to energy development. The bill establishes the Nuclear Energy Consortium, a body designed to provide expertise and recommendations on nuclear energy policies, safety, and technological advancements. Additionally, it creates the Utah Energy Council, which will oversee the state’s broader energy strategies and initiatives. To encourage targeted growth, the bill sets up a process for designating energy development zones, areas identified for focused energy projects and investments. If such zones overlap with UIPA project areas, there may be new opportunities for energy-related supply chains, infrastructure investment, and transportation needs, particularly for nuclear energy components and materials.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Energy Development Investment Fund, intended to finance and support these energy endeavors. Collectively, these measures aim to position Utah at the forefront of nuclear energy development, ensuring that the state remains proactive in addressing future energy needs.

Looking Ahead

UIPA remains committed to working in partnership—not preemption—with local governments, ensuring our projects align with city, county and state priorities.

UIPA continues to focus on partnership, trust, and transparency to drive sustainable growth across Utah. We appreciate the collaboration of our stakeholders in shaping the future of logistics, infrastructure, and economic development.