Chapter One: Land

PROFESSOR VALLEY | MICHELLE SMITH

Chapter 1 pdf

Introduction

Brian Steed

Utahns, like people across the country, seem to want more of everything. When it comes to energy, the U.S. is seeking more oil  and gas, along with increased electricity from coal, wind, solar, geothermal, and nuclear sources. This growing demand calls for new power generation, transmission, and storage capacity, as well as investment in energy technologies. 

Our growth and energy needs mean we don’t just want—but genuinely need—more minerals like copper, uranium, molybdenum, beryllium, vanadium, tellurium, lithium and other critical minerals. Meeting this demand requires new mining and processing operations nationwide. Here in Utah, we urgently need more housing and infrastructure, including transportation systems, which often means more sand and gravel, as well as the conversion of agricultural and other open lands into urban uses. 

At the same time, there’s a growing desire to protect environmental values: preserving agricultural communities, maintaining open space, expanding access to outdoor recreation, supporting wildlife habitat, and enhancing the quality of naturebased experiences. These goals can seem at odds with our demands for resources, housing, and infrastructure, underscoring the complex challenges we face.

The good news is that we can meet these demands while maintaining the quality of life we expect. Yes, difficult decisions and trade-offs are ahead, but, with thoughtful planning, we can create a brighter future. To succeed, we will need the best science, reliable data, and sound policies. This is no small task, but if the past is prologue, Utahns are up to the challenge. 

Figure 1.I.1 U.S. Population Growth, Economic Growth, and Energy Consumption (1970 - 2019)

A line graph showing percent changes from 1970 to 2019 across six categories: Aggregate Emissions (Six Common Pollutants), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), CO2 Emissions, Population, Energy Consumption, and Vehicle Miles Traveled. The Y-axis represents percent change, ranging from -50% to 300%, while the X-axis spans years from 1970 to 2019. The Aggregate Emissions line shows a consistent and steep decline. The GDP line demonstrates a steady rise. CO2 Emissions follow a slower upward trend, peaking slightly after 2000 and leveling off later. Population increases gradually and steadily. Energy Consumption trends upward more slowly, leveling off in the late 2000s with minor fluctuations. Vehicle Miles Traveled also rises steadily, with a slower rate of increase in later years.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

Sections

References

  1. Introduction Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Our Nation's Air: EPA Celebreates 50 Years! EPA.gov. https://gispub.epa.gov/air/trendsreport/2020/#home

Utah's Land in the News
As we’ve tracked Utah and national news through 2024, we have compiled some of the key land issues and topics that have appeared in media outlets this year.