Guest opinion: Reverse Biden-era tax penalty on Americaâs energy producers by Sen. Derrin Owens I have proudly served in the Utah State Legislature for ten years, and one of my greatest priorities has always been encouraging job creation in our state through common sense policies. The energy sector generates abundant opportunity in Utah, which is why we have worked hard to incentivize energy production, reform permitting, and unleash investment in the Beehive State. Unfortunately, a Biden-era tax policy is hampering progress on this critical front. The Promoting Domestic Energy Production Act would change that, helping bring good paying jobs to our state while decreasing Americaâs reliance on foreign energy. While there are lots of ways federal tax policy could be improved to better incentivize energy investment, one area stands out. Americaâs independent oil and gas producers are currently subject to punitive tax treatment. Despite producing the majority of Americaâs oil and gas output, our current tax code is making it harder for these producers to invest in jobs and unlock energy production... Right now, our Senate delegation in Washington has an opportunity to bring good-paying jobs to our state while decreasing our nationâs reliance on foreign energy. The Promoting Domestic Energy Production Act (S. 224) is an essential part of the solution, and Iâm proud that our own Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is co-sponsoring this bill. I urge our senators to fix this punitive tax policy against Utah and Americaâs energy producers in the Senateâs reconciliation package. By doing so, they can form a united front fighting for jobs, domestic oil and gas creation, and American energy security. (Read More) News Releases Victoria Petro named Executive Director of the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce The Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (UHCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Victoria Petro as its new Executive Director. A seasoned leader in nonprofit development, public policy, and community engagement, Petro brings more than a decade of experience advocating for equity, inclusion, and economic opportunity across Utah. (Read More) USBE seeks public feedback on math standards The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is seeking public feedback on the revision of the Draft P-12 Utah Core Mathematics Standards. These standards have been released for a 90-day public review period as of June 19, 2025. (Read More) Gov. Cox names Beau Mason Commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety Gov. Cox today announced the appointment of Beau Mason as Commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), effective July 17, 2025. Mason will assume the role the day after Commissioner Jess Anderson retires on July 16 following nearly three decades of distinguished service to the state. (Read More) Utah paves the way in AI governance â A national blueprint?
Utah is taking a groundbreaking, proactive approach to artificial intelligence (AI) policy, demonstrating that innovation and safety in this rapidly evolving field are not mutually exclusive. With the establishment of the nationâs first Office of AI Policy (OAIP) and the passage of landmark legislation, Utah is setting a national benchmark for responsible AI development and deployment. This model offers crucial lessons for federal agencies and other states navigating the complexities of AI. (Read More) | 