Friends and Neighbors,

As June draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the freedoms we enjoy and looking ahead to the celebration of Independence Day. Our nation stands as a beacon of liberty and opportunity, and I’m deeply grateful to call America home. As we prepare to celebrate, may we also recommit ourselves to the shared responsibility of preserving the principles that make this country strong. May God continue to bless our great nation.

It’s been a productive month at the Capitol. I’ve appreciated the chance to work with my colleagues in committee meetings and hear from Utahns as we shape policies and lay the groundwork for the upcoming legislative session.

Illuminating History: Stained Glass

Every year, thousands of Utahns walk the halls of our state Capitol — not just to witness the legislative process, but to celebrate weddings, take prom photos, join school tours and enjoy spring picnics beneath the cherry blossoms. In Utah, the Capitol isn’t just a government building; it’s a testament to the principles of our republic and belongs to the people it was built to serve.

That spirit of public connection is at the heart of a new stained glass and sculpted metal installation now rising in the North Capitol Building. Designed by Utah-based Holdman Studios, the 28-foot structure is crafted from materials sourced from all 29 counties and tells the story of a growing, united state. The building reinforces our standing as one of the most open and actively used capitols in the nation by offering a place to gather, learn and reflect, with the new art installation serving as both a symbol of welcome and a reflection of who we are.

We look forward to the opening of the completed North Capitol Building and Utah History Museum in 2026 and welcoming even more Utahns into the heart of their Capitol. Read more here.

Uinta Basin Railway Supreme Court Decision

Utahns have a reason to celebrate, as the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously overturned a lower court ruling that had blocked construction of the Uinta Basin Railway. This decision paves the way for expanding economic opportunities, improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing the environment and public safety.

Why does this matter to you? The Uinta Basin is home to some of Utah’s richest energy resources, but for years, limited rail access has constrained its ability to grow and contribute to our state’s economy. The new railway will responsibly unlock these resources, provide a much-needed boost to rural communities and help our country achieve energy independence.

Additionally, the Supreme Court ruling narrows the scope of environmental reviews, focusing only on direct impacts rather than speculative or indirect effects. This shift reduces bureaucratic delays and will help ensure critical energy infrastructure projects aren’t unnecessarily stalled, helping Utah enhance its energy production and economic development.

For rural Utah, this project is more than just a railway; it’s an opportunity for growth and a foundation for the state’s future success. Learn more here.

Touring Uintah Basin’s Mining Operations

Mining is a vital component of our state’s thriving economy, particularly in rural areas. This past week, I had the opportunity to guide legislators and stakeholders on a field tour of mineral extraction sites in the Uintah Basin.

During our visit, we explored active mine sites and engaged in discussions about the industry’s crucial role in supporting Utah’s economy and energy future. Mining fuels our state’s prosperity by creating jobs and sustaining local communities, particularly in Uintah County.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and found it rewarding to deepen my understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the mining sector. I also appreciated my colleagues joining me on this trip, as it provided us with a shared perspective on the importance of this industry and the beauty of the county. Together, we remain committed to fostering growth that benefits all Utahns.

Promoting a Safe and Responsible Holiday Season

As we get ready to celebrate our nation’s independence with fireworks, barbecues and outdoor fun, it’s important to do so responsibly. With summer’s rising temperatures, dry conditions and Utah’s ongoing need to conserve water, the risk of wildfires is heightened across many areas.

Before lighting any fireworks, be sure to check your local regulations. Many communities have restrictions or bans to protect us all from fire danger. When you do use fireworks, make sure you’re in an open, cleared space away from dry grass, trees and anything flammable.

Remember, every spark matters, not just for fire safety, but for protecting our natural resources. Conserving water and preventing wildfires go hand in hand in keeping Utah’s landscapes and communities safe.

To see where you can use fireworks in your area, click here. Let’s all do our part to keep our communities safe while enjoying a meaningful and memorable holiday and summer season.

Utah’s New State Park

We’re excited to announce the official opening of Utahraptor State Park, Utah’s 45th state park! Created through legislation passed in 2021, the park was years in the making. A ribbon-cutting ceremony held this May marked the beginning of a new chapter for this remarkable site.

Located in Grand County, about 15 miles northwest of Moab, Utahraptor State Park is home to paleontological and historical resources. One of its most notable features is the Dalton Wells Quarry, where more than 5,500 dinosaur bones have been discovered, including the first fossils of the Utahraptor. The park also encompasses the site of a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp, which later served as the Moab Isolation Center, a temporary internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II. Today, a permanent on-site exhibit honors those who were incarcerated there, featuring photographs, personal histories and historical artifacts.

In addition to its rich history and scientific significance, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, off-roading trails and educational signage throughout the area.

With its official designation, Utahraptor State Park is now protected for future generations, ensuring that its landscapes and stories are preserved and shared. Utah remains committed to preserving our natural landscapes and telling the stories of those who came before us. We invite all Utahns and visitors to explore and enjoy our newest state park. Learn more about park hours, location and activities here.

Red Bull Soapbox Race

Have you ever seen a soapbox race? These fantastic, high-speed events feature homemade, gravity-powered vehicles originally crafted from wooden soap or apple crates, racing on incredible downhill courses. In recent years, Red Bull has revived the tradition with its global Soapbox Race series, hosted in countries like Japan, India, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

And now, Utah has joined that global lineup.

What a thrilling day at the first-ever Red Bull Soapbox Race in Utah! On June 14, Main Street in Salt Lake City transformed into a high-speed course as handcrafted, gravity-powered vehicles raced down a wild downhill course.

Creativity, community and competition came together in full force. Teams from across the country showcased their engineering skills, bold designs and sense of humor, all while navigating jumps, turns and cheering crowds.

When we say Utah is the State of Sport, we mean every sport. Even homemade soapbox cars. This event wasn't just about speed; it was about imagination, teamwork and bringing people together.

Utah made history with record-breaking entries and proved once again that innovation and community spirit are alive and well in the Beehive State. We were thrilled to see thousands of Utahns come out to support the race and celebrate what makes our state so unique.

Thanks to everyone who made the Red Bull Soapbox Race a success. Whether you were racing, cheering or volunteering, we couldn’t have done it without you.

Utah’s Newest Judges

It is the Senate’s important responsibility to provide advice and consent on various appointments made by the governor. During the June interim, we met to confirm several appointments, including three new judges, Matthew Hansen to Utah’s Second District Court, Jordan Van Oostendorp to Utah’s Eighth District Court and Tony Graf to Utah’s Fourth District Court. I am grateful for their willingness to serve our state in this new capacity. Watch the confirmations here.

Fireworks, Family and Freedom: Celebrating 250 Years of America!

This July, as we fire up the grills and gather with friends and family to celebrate the Fourth of July, Utah will join the rest of the nation in kicking off something special: America250, a yearlong celebration marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

And you’re invited to be part of it. The celebration officially begins on July 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Utah State Capitol.

Throughout the year, events will be popping up across Utah from parades and cultural festivals to service projects and educational programs. It’s a chance for all of us to come together, reflect on our past and look ahead to where we’re going. Whether you’re attending a local event, volunteering or simply taking a moment to appreciate our shared history, there are countless ways to be part of this milestone. Learn more and find ways to get involved at america250.utah.gov.

Let’s make this a celebration to remember—Utah style.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19th, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. In Utah, we recognize the significance of Juneteenth and its importance in our shared history. It marks a pivotal moment in American history and stands as a proud reminder of our nation’s enduring commitment to liberty and justice for all.

Flag Day 

This June, we celebrated Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. The flag is more than just a symbol to us; it represents the values of liberty, unity and sacrifice that define our nation. From battlefields to classrooms, the U.S. flag has flown as a beacon of hope throughout every chapter of our history.

In Utah, we observe Flag Day with a range of community events and educational programs. These moments instill reverence in our communities, reminding us of the responsibilities that come along with our citizenship in this country.

As we honor the flag, we also pay tribute to those who have defended it – veterans and service members. We deeply appreciate their sacrifices, as they are the reason we can proudly celebrate our flag and the freedoms it represents.

How to get involved

Although Utah has a part-time citizen Legislature, the work of governing doesn’t stop when the session ends. From April to December, we enter what’s known as the “interim” period. During this time, committees meet monthly to study important issues and develop policies in preparation for the next session. Just like during the general session, interim committee meetings are open to the public, ensuring transparency and community involvement.

 As always, thank you for staying engaged in the process. Your voices, ideas and concerns play a vital role in making Utah stronger, together.

Best,

Ron Winterton