The Utah Department of Government Operations (GovOps) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2026 Coordinator of Resource Stewardship Annual Report. Prepared in compliance with Utah Code § 63A-1-116(3)(b), the annual report provides a comprehensive summary of how state agencies are collaborating across operational boundaries to adopt best practices, curb emissions, conserve water, and enhance air quality throughout Utah.
The position of Coordinator of Resource Stewardship was established by the Utah Legislature in 2016 to break down agency silos and promote clean air and resource conservation across state operations. Guided by the Coordinator of Resource Stewardship, Michelle Brown, state entities are driving measurable results that protect taxpayer dollars while safeguarding our natural resources.
Highlights Across State Operations
The FY2026 report spotlights several key initiatives spanning state facilities, public transportation, corrections, agriculture, and environmental quality:
- Building High-Performing Infrastructure: Led by the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM), the newly completed North Capitol Building (Michael O. Leavitt Building) pairs museum-grade climate storage with airtight building envelopes and water-efficient landscaping. The facility’s footprint was shifted 18 inches during construction to safeguard the root systems of historic sequoias on the north lawn.
- Significant Water Reductions: Following statutory goals outlined in H.B. 121 (2022), Utah state agencies have already reduced outdoor water use by 20% compared to 2020 levels and are tracking toward the 25% target. Campus landscape updates—including xeriscaping projects at the Capitol Complex and the Utah State Correctional Facility—are projected to save millions of gallons annually.
- Electric Utility Vehicle Pilot: DFCM concluded a successful 10-month pilot with an electric UTV supported by a grant from UCAIR, achieving a 70% to 80% reduction in vehicle CO2 emissions and conversational operating sound levels (60 dB) during grounds maintenance and snow removal.
- Cleaner Air & Dust Monitoring: Supported by a $1 million state appropriation, the Division of Air Quality (DAQ) launched the Utah Dust Observation and Research Network (UDORN), bringing eight continuous dust monitoring stations online across a 100-mile corridor east of the Great Salt Lake.
- Active Transportation & Transit: The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) broke ground on initial Utah Trail Network paths in Moab and Vernal, while the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) launched the Midvalley Express (MVX) BRT line with a zero-fare program through April 2029.
- Community Incentive Programs: DAQ incentive initiatives gained widespread traction, allocating $1.4 million to the Electric Vehicle Replacement Assistance Program (EVRAP), exchanging over 1,180 two-stroke gas lawn engines through Charge Your Yard, and preparing 2,000 community e-bike vouchers.
- Award-Winning Student Innovation: Three DECA interns from Herriman High School, working with the Division of Purchasing & General Services, earned first place among 26,000 attendees at the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference for their solar microgrid proposal for the Utah State Correctional Facility.
Read the Full Report
To explore the complete agency project snapshots, additional initiatives, and statewide conservation milestones, read the full report online:
- Download: FY 2026 Coordinator of Resource Stewardship Annual Report (PDF)
- Learn More: Visit govops.utah.gov/resource-stewardship
For questions, partnerships, or clean air ideas, reach out to Coordinator of Resource Stewardship Michelle Brown at [email protected] or 801-857-1408.