USU Quinney College Students Explore Environmental Policy at the Utah State Capitol

Students from Utah State University’s Quinney College of Natural Resources were given an inside look at how natural resources and environmental policy is created during a field trip to the Utah State Capitol last month. Hosted by the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air on Jan. 31, the field trip let students taking ENVS 6900 — Utah Natural Resources and Environmental Legislation — attend several meetings of the Utah Legislature’s 2025 General Session and ask questions of several Utah leaders. The trip was led by the institute’s executive director and course instructor, Brian Steed, who guided students in observing and learning about the intricacies of policymaking.

"The goal of this trip is to give students a real-world understanding of how environmental policy is created and the role that they can play in shaping it," Steed said. “By observing how environmental policy is drafted, shaped and passed, students gain a much deeper understanding of how their future careers can influence the policies that affect our natural resources."

The field trip began with the Outdoor Recreation Day on the Hill event, hosted by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation. Students enjoyed breakfast in the Capitol Rotunda alongside local outdoor organizations and brands while learning about the outdoor industry's impact on Utah's economy and quality of life.

After breakfast, students attended a Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee meeting where they observed several presentations and listened to committee discussions. Prior to the meeting, the students had studied the process of presenting requests for appropriations, allowing them to connect theoretical learning with real-world legislative processes.

"When students are able to observe these legislative meetings, it bridges the gap between their studies and the practical aspects of policymaking," said Anna McEntire, the institute’s managing director and Steed’s teaching assistant. "It’s one thing to read about it, but seeing it in action really brings it to life."

Students also participated in Q&A sessions with professionals who shared their expertise and career paths. Justin Lee from the Utah League of Cities and Towns and Josh Craft from Utah Clean Energy offered valuable perspectives on the legislative process, along with advice on how students can productively engage in policymaking in the future.

Joel Ferry, director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, shared his perspective as both a former legislator and current state executive and encouraged students to get personally involved with the legislative process.

Other professionals that took the time to speak with the students included:

• Celeste Maloy, Utah's Second Congressional District representative.
• Mike Mower, Gov. Spencer Cox's senior adviser for Community Outreach & Intergovernmental Affairs.
• Neil Abercrombie, Gov. Cox's senior adviser for Legislative Affairs & Policy.
• Jamie Barnes, director for the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.
• Kim Shelley, executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
• Becky Keeney, director of strategy for the Utah Office of Tourism.
• Jason Curry, director of the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.
• Sarah Reale, member of the Utah State Board of Education.
• Megan Nelson, director of external affairs and policy for the Nature Conservancy.

The trip let students deepen their understanding of environmental policymaking and develop connections with professionals in the field. It highlighted the importance of active participation in shaping legislation both as Utah citizens and as future natural resources professionals.