The end of the week always comes too quickly, but it’s time for another edition of Highs and Lows.

First, I wanted to give a shout-out to the Utah Mammoth—we are all so excited to see them in the NHL playoffs and will be cheering them on. My other high is a proposed rule that came out of the EPA this week. For too long, Utah has been wrongly penalized for pollution that comes from beyond our state’s boundaries and is outside of our control. The proposed rule would keep us responsible for meeting our air quality standards based on what we can actually manage. We can all agree that we want cleaner air, but we need to be realistic about how we regulate standards, focusing our efforts and resources where they can actually make a difference.

Now, for the low—if you’re like me, you may enjoy getting your produce from our local orchards. Unfortunately, some orchards have announced that the freeze we experienced a little over a week ago wiped out their fruit for the rest of the year. It’s a major low for our farmers and our consumers alike.

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Last year, Utah faced its highest fire activity since 2020—with total acres burned exceeding the 2022, 2023, and 2024 fire seasons combined. Clearly, the status quo is failing to address our modern-day problems.

In an opinion piece published in The Hill with Senator Padilla (D-CA), Senator Curtis outlined how his Fix Our Forests Act would bring wildfire prevention and suppression policy into the 21st century, restoring forest health and reducing wildfire risk.



Full opinion by Senators Curtis and Padilla here.



This week, the President of Taiwan was unable to travel to Africa for a planned official visit because China coerced several countries to revoke their overflight clearance. Senator Curtis shared the following statement on China’s tactics and the threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to the global order.

“China’s tactics to pressure nations into isolating Taiwan are a stark reminder that authoritarian regimes don’t just restrict freedom at home, but seek to control it abroad. A world order led by China is one where movement, speech, and other basic freedoms would be limited for adversaries of the Chinese Communist Party.”



For too long, Utah has faced the prospect of being penalized for air pollution we did not create and cannot control. Senator Curtis, member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to repeal an unfair Biden Administration air quality standards decision. The new proposal shows that the EPA is listening to Utah and correctly understands how ozone exceedances should be evaluated in the Northern Wasatch Front. This is how good environmental policy should work—grounded in science, responsive to states, and focused on practical outcomes.

Join Senator Curtis at the Small Business Expo - Made in America on Monday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Davis Technical College in Kaysville, Utah. This free event will bring together small businesses, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, federal agencies, and industry leaders to explore new opportunities for growth.

Through networking, expert speakers, and practical conversations on manufacturing, trade, innovation, and federal small business programs, attendees will leave with valuable insights, meaningful connections, and resources to help move their business forward.

Register today at curtis.senate.gov/smallbizexpo to attend this free event and be part of the conversation where small businesses and federal agencies meet.

Southern Utah is growing, and strong partnerships make a difference. Last weekend, Senator Curtis met with Iron County Commissioners and local leaders from Southern Utah University, Southwest Technical College, and the Cedar City Chamber to discuss local updates on growth and development and key federal issues impacting the region.





Cedar City knows how to show up for youth sports! Last weekend, Senator Curtis met with Utah Summer Games Executive Director Jon Oglesby and Assistant Director Jennifer Weaver during the youth water polo competitions to discuss how the Games encourage active lifestyles, connect athletes to higher education, and provide economic development through sports tourism for Cedar City, Iron County, and our state.





Southern Utah’s growth brings both opportunities and challenging planning decisions. Last weekend, Senator Curtis met with Washington and Hurricane leaders to receive updates on transportation planning, water conditions, and growth and development in the area.





Threats of wildfires continue to grow in Utah and across the country. Senator Curtis met with fire chiefs from Utah to talk through the challenges facing our first responders on the heels of wildfire season, and the importance of getting the Fix Our Forests Act passed into law.





Utah may be the home of “dirty” soda, but that doesn’t mean strong safety standards and clear information aren’t important for consumers. Senator Curtis met with the Utah Beverage Association to discuss beverage ingredient safety and efforts to give Utah families more transparency and healthier choices.





As a growing center for innovation, recreation, and sports, Sandy boasts a vibrant sense of community. Senator Curtis met with Mayor Monica Zoltanski to discuss these developments—from supporting Real Salt Lake to the new Utah Mammoth practice facility.





Thoughtful, local leadership is key to keeping regions moving and expanding opportunity for the people who call them home. Senator Curtis met with Todd Beutler of the Cache Valley Transit District to discuss the vital role public transit plays in connecting communities and supporting growth.





Local community and business leaders play a key role in Utah’s continued economic success. Senator Curtis enjoyed welcoming members of several Utah chambers of commerce for a tour of the U.S. Capitol.

When tax refunds are delayed, it can be difficult to get clear answers from the IRS. One Utah constituent faced months of uncertainty before reaching out to Senator Curtis’ office for assistance. With responsive and knowledgeable support from our casework team, the refund was successfully tracked down and delivered. With their permission, we’re sharing their story to show how our office helps constituents navigate challenges with federal agencies.



If you can't get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, our office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need. While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem.

Senator Curtis celebrated America 250  at the National Gallery of Art with his wife of *almost* 44 years, Sue.

Utah Sen. John Curtis wants to legally define prediction markets as gambling (Utah Public Radio)

100 years of awe: Why Zion Lodge still anchors the park experience (Salt Lake Tribune)

A Utah treasure, Zion National Park Lodge celebrates its 100th anniversary (FOX 13)

Sen. John Curtis proposes legislation to reaffirm congressional commitment to Taiwan (Cache Valley Daily)

US senators introduce updated bill supporting Taiwan (Taipei Times)

Senate bill would legally define prediction markets as gambling (CDC Gaming)

curtis.senate.gov

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