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In the Senate, August affords us the time to leave Washington and return back home. I always look forward to returning to Utah. From the glory of the mountains to the extraordinary sunsets, it’s just an amazing place to be.

As I’ve traveled the state this month, it’s obvious that these are challenging times for a lot of folks. With record inflation, we’re seeing higher prices for food, electricity, gasoline, and more. At the same time, Utahns are having a hard time with the drought and the depletion of our water resources, especially the shrinking of the Great Salt Lake. In some respects, it’s a perfect storm.

While Utahns are facing many challenges, they are also taking advantage of many opportunities. Utah is developing technology that will create jobs in the future, particularly in the area of energy—sustainable energy resources that can be promoted around the world. We must also take advantage of the historic energy sources—coal, oil, gas—that God provided for this great land, as well.

This past month, in addition to meeting with Utah’s energy producers, I also visited places like Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon Copper Mine and L3Harris—both which are making significant contributions to shore up U.S. national security. I also toured Utah Tech University and Southern Utah University, which are doing important work shaping the next generation of Utah leaders.

There is no doubt in my mind that Utah is one of the best managed states in our country and I find myself optimistic for the future every time I come back home. The actions being taken and the decisions being made throughout our state will pay dividends for many, many years to come. Us Utahns owe a lot to the pioneers who founded our great state and now we have a responsibility to make sure that we’re providing for the future.

Below is short video that recaps my August in Utah, followed by a few photos with some of the people I met with. When I return to Washington in a few days, I will do my very best to continue helping the people of Utah using the information I’ve gathered.

All the best,

Senator Romney, Utah Speaker of the House Brad Wilson, and Joel Ferry (Executive Director, Utah Department of Natural Resources) tour the Great Salt Lake by airboat to have a firsthand look at the implications of a receding lake.

Senator Romney and state officials learn about agricultural systems being developed that would allow farmers to water their fields with about 30% less water—potentially saving up to 100,000 acre feet of water per year—which would open up more water for the Great Salt Lake.

Clean energy alternatives play a pivotal role in meeting our country’s increasing energy needs. Senator Romney visits Longroad Energy’s Milford Wind Project—the largest wind farm in Utah.

Senator Romney tours Rocky Mountain Power’s Blundell Geothermal Plant in Beaver County to learn more about their efforts to address global energy issues.

The American West is facing unprecedented drought and water challenges. Senator Romney visits La Verkin Hot Springs to learn about Washington County Water Conservancy District’s efforts to protect our existing water supplies and solve Utah’s water crisis.

After touring Kaddas Enterprises’ thermoplastic manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Senator Romney meets with the company’s employees to hear their concerns and answer their questions.

Intermountain leads the way in cancer treatment innovation and techniques. Senator Romney visits their Precision Genomics facility in St. George to learn more about their cutting edge HerediGene study—one of the largest genomics efforts to date—which could improve and save countless lives.

Relying on countries like China for critical minerals threatens U.S. national security. Senator Romney tours Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Copper Mine in Bingham Canyon to learn more about their efforts to help the U.S. become more independent in obtaining minerals critical to our security—like copper.

Senator Romney tours the Southern Utah University campus in Cedar City with new University President Mindy Benson.

At Utah Tech University’s Welcome-Back BBQ, Senator Romney makes buttons with some of the University faculty’s children.

Senator Romney participates in the ribbon cutting ceremony for L3Harris’ new center of technology, which will help ensure that U.S. reconnaissance remains secure and surveillance remains resilient.

Utah’s election systems are accurate, fair, and protected from potential attacks. Senator Romney meets with officials at the Weber County Elections Office to better understand their efforts to safeguard the vote.

At a meeting of the Spanish Fork-Salem and Payson/Santaquin Area Chambers of Commerce, Senator Romney talks with Utah Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson and members of the Spanish Fork City Council after meeting with local business owners about record inflation and other challenges they’re facing.