§ 40-8-5.5. Fast track permitting for critical minerals.

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Critical mineral" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101. (b) "Critical minerals project" means an activity requiring one or more state permits related to the extraction or processing of a critical mineral. (c) "Critical minerals zone" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101. (d) "Permit" means the same as that term is defined in Section 79-10-101. (2) (a) The division shall prioritize division resources to process a permit that is: (i) requested to be issued by the division; and (ii) related to a critical minerals project described in Subsection (2)(b). (b) This Subsection (2) applies to a critical minerals project that is: (i) for the extraction or processing of a critical mineral within a critical minerals zone; or (ii) 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 Subsection (2)(b) that are issued by the division and the Department of Environmental Quality: (a) may be issued at parallel times rather than sequentially; and (b) 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.