Utah § 54-17-1301 - Wildlife consultation required for utility scale renewable energy facilities.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 54-17-1301 — Wildlife consultation required for utility scale renewable energy facilities., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54-17-1301. Wildlife consultation required for utility scale renewable energy facilities.
Effective 5/6/2026 54-17-1301.
Wildlife consultation required for utility scale renewable energy facilities.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Division of Wildlife Resources" means the Division of Wildlife Resources created in Section 23A-2-201.
(b)
"Solar power plant" means a facility that:
(i)
has a nameplate generating capacity in excess of 10 megawatts; and
(ii)
converts sunlight into electricity.
(c)
"Utility scale renewable energy facility" means a solar power plant or wind power plant.
(d)
"Wind power plant" means a facility that:
(i)
has a nameplate generating capacity in excess of 10 megawatts; and
(ii)
converts wind energy into electricity.
(2)
As part of an application for a permit to the appropriate local jurisdiction, an owner or operator of a utility scale renewable energy facility shall consult with the Division of Wildlife Resources regarding potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat.
(3)
The consultation described in Subsection (2) shall include:
(a)
submission by the owner or operator to the Division of Wildlife Resources of project location, layout, timeline, and any wildlife surveys conducted;
(b)
a meeting between the owner or operator and Division of Wildlife Resources personnel; and
(c)
the Division of Wildlife Resources' recommendations for avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat.
(4)
The Division of Wildlife Resources shall:
(a)
within 30 days after the day on which the Division of Wildlife Resources receives a complete consultation request, provide the owner or operator with written recommendations; and
(b)
make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, establishing consultation procedures and standards.
(5)
An owner or operator shall include with an application to the appropriate local jurisdiction proof of consultation with the Division of Wildlife Resources and a description of measures the owner or operator will implement to address the Division of Wildlife Resources' recommendations.
(6)
The appropriate local jurisdiction shall consider the Division of Wildlife Resources' recommendations when evaluating a permit application for a utility scale renewable energy facility.
(7)
This section does not:
(a)
grant the Division of Wildlife Resources authority to approve or deny a permit application;
(b)
require an owner or operator to implement the Division of Wildlife Resources' recommendations; or
(c)
limit local jurisdiction authority to approve or deny a permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 54-17-1301
What does Utah Code § 54-17-1301 cover?
Section 54-17-1301 ("Wildlife consultation required for utility scale renewable energy facilities.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 54-17-1301?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 54-17-1301" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 54-17-1301 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
