As Utah continues to experience rapid economic and population growth, the need for sustainable and reliable energy has never been greater.

Energy generation is not just an issue for Eagle Mountain; it is a challenge that affects all of Utah County and the state as a whole. To ensure we meet our increasing energy demands while maintaining the high quality of life we enjoy, Utah must take bold steps toward diversifying and expanding our energy availability. There are promising solutions in natural gas, geothermal and small modular reactors (SMRs).

The Utah Legislature is currently considering policy changes in the ongoing legislative session that could pave the way for energy expansion in the state, and I urge our leaders here in Utah County to seize this opportunity.

Eagle Mountain is actively working to align with the state’s Operation Gigawatt initiative, which prioritizes innovative energy solutions to meet growing demand. While no specific nuclear projects are currently proposed for our city, we are laying the groundwork to attract and accommodate advanced energy technologies that will benefit both our community and the broader region.

Energy is vital for Utah’s future for three key reasons: national security, energy independence and economic stability. Our country’s defense infrastructure depends on a stable energy supply, and as Utah plays an increasingly prominent role in the national economy, we must ensure that our energy production is diversified, resilient and reliable.

From a state perspective, Utah is at a crossroads. The demand for energy is outpacing current generation capabilities, and relying solely on traditional sources like coal and natural gas is neither sustainable nor sufficient.

Rocky Mountain Power has indicated that significantly expanding its generation capacity is unlikely in the near term, which means Utah must look to alternative energy sources to fill the gap. Nuclear energy offers a proven, scalable and low-carbon solution that can operate around the clock.

Understandably, nuclear energy has long been met with skepticism, often due to misconceptions about safety, health and environmental impact. However, today’s nuclear technology is vastly different from the reactors of the past.

SMRs are designed with enhanced safety features, utilizing passive cooling systems and fail-safe mechanisms that significantly reduce the risk of meltdowns or hazardous incidents.

In addition, SMRs can operate using non-water cooling systems, such as molten salt or ceramic technology, that minimize water consumption, an important factor in our state’s considerations.

Unlike traditional large-scale nuclear plants, SMRs have a smaller footprint and can be integrated into existing energy grids without significant disruption. With rigorous oversight from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and strict federal regulations, any future nuclear projects in Utah will be held to the highest safety and environmental standards.

Embracing energy generation, regardless of the planning tools available to us, will not only secure our energy future but will also drive economic growth. The development of advanced energy projects, including SMRs, will create high-paying jobs in engineering, construction and operations.

Additionally, bolstering local energy generation will reduce the need for costly new transmission infrastructure.

For Eagle Mountain, the importance of energy generation is particularly evident. With the rapid growth of data centers and other energy-intensive industries in our city, ensuring a stable energy supply is critical.

While our immediate focus remains on community needs, it is clear that local energy production must scale to meet commercial and residential demands alike. The same holds true across Utah County, where economic expansion hinges on access to reliable and affordable power.

Utah has a long history of innovation and forward-thinking approaches. We must continue that tradition by embracing energy generation as a cornerstone of our future. I encourage residents to educate themselves about the benefits of natural gas, geothermal, battery storage solar and SMRs to best participate in discussions about our energy future.

Eagle Mountain will be hosting an Energy Town Hall on March 10 at Cedar Valley High School, where experts will discuss nuclear energy and answer community questions. I invite all Utahns to attend and engage in this critical conversation.

I also call on state legislators to support policies that facilitate the responsible development of energy in Utah. By streamlining regulations and investing in research and development, we can position our state as a leader in clean, advanced energy technology.

Utah’s energy future depends on the choices we make today. By embracing nuclear energy, we can ensure a sustainable, secure and prosperous future for generations to come.