UT SB0254

Creates the Critical Minerals Council within the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate development of critical minerals extraction and processing, with an 11-member board including state agency directors, legislators, and industry representatives

Establishes state objectives to capture 20-25% of U.S. domestic critical minerals demand, process 50% of extracted minerals in-state, and reduce permitting timelines to under 18 months

Creates the State Reinvestment Restricted Account to receive severance tax revenue exceeding $100 million annually (up to $200 million), funding income tax relief, water infrastructure, transit, and critical minerals development

Appropriates $400,000 in FY 2026 and $11.4 million in FY 2027 (including $11 million for the Critical Minerals Council and $400,000 annually for Uintah Basin Air Quality Research)

Requires expedited "fast track" permitting by the Department of Environmental Quality and Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining for critical minerals projects within designated critical minerals zones