Friends and Neighbors,

I enjoyed celebrating with you this month as we commemorated the 248th anniversary of American Independence and the 177th anniversary of our pioneer ancestors entering Utah. Whether we are descendants of those who came across the plains or not, we can learn from their example of sacrifice, faith, hard work and determination to press forward against all odds. These qualities allowed the pioneers to build a thriving metropolis in the middle of a desert wasteland and inspire us as we continue making Utah the best state in the nation.    

I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed your Independence Day and Pioneer Day celebrations. In addition to these momentous holidays, below are other highlights from this month. Thank you for staying involved and informed!

Pioneer Day 

The 24th of July is a special day for us Utahns - a celebration of our pioneer ancestors, many of whom gave up everything to build this state that we call home. Many of their commendable attributes are still woven into the very fabric of our society today.  

Still today, as individuals, we help and serve our fellow citizens at a level nearly double the national average, making Utah first in the nation in volunteerism. We have been found to be the happiest state and rank very high on the list of emotional and physical well-being. Our entrepreneurial spirit has led to a thriving economy that has been recognized as a leader in innovation and dynamism and has positioned us for even greater opportunity in the future. 

These outcomes, as well as the evidences we see and experience every day in our interactions with one another, are an indication of our contributions to this heritage. I hope you enjoyed your Pioneer Day, and may we each do our part to ensure the continuation of this great legacy for many years to come. 

Utah to Officially Host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games 

By now, I hope you’ve heard the exciting news—the Olympic Games are returning to Utah! After years of dedicated efforts by local leaders and spirited collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, Utah will officially host the Winter Olympics in 2034. 

This monumental event is not only a testament to our state’s rich history in winter sports but also another opportunity for us to showcase Utah’s breathtaking landscapes, world-class facilities and warm hospitality to the world. Our previous experience in hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics set a high standard, and we are committed to exceeding expectations once again. 

Hosting the Olympics in 2034 will bring numerous benefits to our community, including: 

• Economic Boost: The influx of visitors and global attention will spur local businesses, create jobs and stimulate economic growth across our state.  

• Infrastructure Improvements: We will see enhancements in transportation, public services and sports facilities, which Utahns can utilize and build upon for generations. 

• Community Engagement: This event will unite us as we come together to support athletes, volunteers and each other in making the 2034 Olympics a resounding success. 

Let’s celebrate this incredible achievement and look forward to a bright future filled with unity, pride and Olympic spirit. Together, we will make the 2034 Winter Olympics an unforgettable chapter in Utah’s history.

Two Significant Supreme Court Rulings and How They Affect You 

As legislative activities die down in Utah during June and July, our attention turns to the U.S. Supreme Court, where crucial decisions are being made. This summer, the Court ruled on two significant cases with far-reaching implications for Utah, marking important victories for our state. Because these rulings are so critical, I’ve dedicated a portion of this month’s newsletter to breaking down and summarizing these cases to better understand their significance to us Utahns. 

The “Good Neighbor” Rule: Halting the EPA’s Stringent Regulations 

The first notable ruling this summer was the Court’s decision to halt the enforcement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s “good neighbor” rule, which mandated 23 states to reduce air pollution levels. While we prioritize clean air and strive to enhance our air quality in Utah, the stringent requirements enacted by unelected officials were unrealistic for the state to comply with without imposing a heavy burden on Utahns. This regulation has led to higher power rates and added to the already skyrocketing cost of living nationwide when inflation is already causing Utahns to struggle to make ends meet. Now that it has been overturned, we can concentrate on improving air quality in a manner that does not hurt our economy while also easing the rising cost of living. 

Chevron Deference: Putting a Stop to Reckless Federal Overreach 

Another major victory for Utah came when the Supreme Court overhauled the statute of Chevron deference. This legal principle, dating back to 1984, forced courts to defer to an administrative agency’s interpretation of ambiguous statutes as long as their interpretations were considered “reasonable.” This decision often resulted in federal agencies bypassing the legislative process to establish far-reaching policies that did more harm than good. Chevron deference was the doctrine the EPA used to enforce the “good neighbor” rule mentioned previously. 

As the best-managed state in the nation, Utah has proven itself effective in governing its own affairs and enacting smart policies that allow us to remain on top. The Court’s recent ruling to overturn Chevron deference empowers us to establish policies to better serve our state’s unique needs and allow Utahns to thrive. 

Best,  

Ron Winterton

Utah Senate District 20