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Utah has a diverse array of energy offerings, and the state continues to look to add more options in the future.

A report released by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah looks at Utah’s energy sector in 2023 and where it is headed this year. While Utah coal production dropped to its lowest level in over 45 years in 2023 — stemming from the closure of two mines — the analysis says it may increase slightly this year.

In contrast, Utah’s crude oil production increased by 22% in 2023, the highest annual production on record.

Utah is already in the business of new energy production with the FORGE geothermal project in central Utah. Political leaders and PacifiCorp have committed to pursue and ultimately rely on next-generation nuclear reactors and nuclear power “microgrids” in both military and industrial applications.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy announced this week that Utah would share in millions in the commercial development of hydrogen fuel, with two companies getting a piece of $750 million pie.

Confidence in U.S. institutions at an all-time low, but one standout may surprise you

Across the U.S., the collective faith in societal institutions has been waning for decades and, for most categories, hovers at or near all-time lows.

New statewide data gathered by the Deseret News in partnership with the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics found Utahns are more optimistic about institutions, in general, but show full agreement when it comes to the category that has the most perceived positive impact on society: small businesses.

One of the reasons for those ubiquitous personal connections between individuals and Utah small businesses boils down to math. There are, quite simply, a lot of them.

The survey found Utahns have positive views of a few other institutions, such as community colleges and medical and scientific researchers, but are less confident in the government, social media and news media.

Read more about Utahns' optimism for major U.S. institutions and how it differs from the rest of the country.

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