40-8-5.5. Fast track permitting for critical minerals.
(1) As used in this section: "Critical mineral" means the same as that term is defined in Section. 79-10-101 "Critical minerals project" means an activity requiring one or more state permits related to the extraction or processing of a critical mineral. "Critical minerals zone" means the same as that term is defined in Section. 79-10-101 "Permit" means the same as that term is defined in Section. 79-10-101
(2) The division shall prioritize division resources to process a permit that is: requested to be issued by the division; and related to a critical minerals project described in Subsection. (2)(b) This Subsectionapplies to a critical minerals project that is: (2) for the extraction or processing of a critical mineral within a critical minerals zone; or included in the strategic plan developed by the Critical Minerals Council under Subsection. 79-10-302(1)
(3) The division shall work cooperatively with the Department of Environmental Quality to develop processes under which permits for a critical minerals project described in Subsectionthat are issued by the division and the Department of Environmental Quality: (2)(b) may be issued at parallel times rather than sequentially; and minimize the need for a person to comply with duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting requirements.
(4) Nothing in this section abrogates or interferes with the powers or duties of the Department of Environmental Quality.