Pew Applauds Utah for Enacting a Historic Wildlife Crossings Fund

WASHINGTON - The Pew Charitable Trusts applauds the Utah Legislature and Governor Spencer Cox for enacting historic bipartisan legislation establishing a dedicated funding source for wildlife crossing infrastructure-marking a major step forward for public safety and wildlife connectivity in the Beehive State.

The legislation coincides with a second bipartisan bill requiring that the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources be consulted as part of local government approvals of solar or wind energy projects in order to avoid, minimize, or mitigate these projects' effects on wildlife and habitat.

The Utah Wildlife Crossing Account created by Utah H.B. 431 sits within the State's Transportation Investment Fund and will receive $2 million each year to support projects that improve public safety and wildlife connectivity across the state. The bill directs the Utah Department of Transportation to recommend priority projects for funding to the Transportation Commission. It also creates an opportunity for residents applying for vehicle registrations, hunting licenses, and other permits to contribute money into the account to support wildlife connectivity efforts.

This dedicated state funding will substantially increase Utah's ability to build wildlife crossing structures where and when they are most needed, and provides a reliable funding source that can attract additional federal dollars. This permanent financing mechanism will afford greater certainty for long-term planning, helping accelerate the construction of proven, life-saving infrastructure.

Traffic volume in Utah has doubled over the past 25 years, with an estimated 7,000-plus deer-vehicle collisions alone occurring annually. Such accidents often result in injuries, totaled vehicles, and millions of dollars in medical and repair costs annually. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that nationwide, animal-vehicle collisions kill more than 200 people and cause $10 billion in damages annually.

In addition, Utah H.B. 412, establishes a framework to include and consider wildlife agency input early in the process of wind and solar project planning. As Utah continues to expand solar and wind energy, this proactive coordination will help to minimize disruptions to migration corridors and seasonal habitats while helping developers site their projects appropriately.

Nic Callero, an expert on state and federal policies that connect wildlife habitat and protect biodiversity at The Pew Charitable Trusts, issued the following statement:

"By creating and funding the Utah Wildlife Crossing Account, Utah is cementing its position as a national leader in reconnecting landscapes and reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions. This dedicated investment ensures that crossings are built strategically and efficiently, protecting drivers, conserving mule deer and other wildlife, and strengthening the resilience of the state's iconic migration corridors. Just as important, a reliable funding source allows Utah to accelerate life-saving projects, reduce long-term costs, and build a strong foundation to attract additional federal funding and partnerships that will expand these benefits for communities and wildlife across the state."

"The simultaneous enactment of House Bill 412 positions Utah to offer a blueprint that other states can follow. By embedding wildlife agency input into planning processes early, states can accelerate renewable energy development while safeguarding the migration corridors and habitats that sustain wildlife populations over the long term."