AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.

Utah law currently protects people and businesses that reside or operate in Utah from being sued for climate-related damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions, unless a plaintiff proves by "clear and convincing evidence" (a high legal standard) that the defendant violated a specific state emissions law or the terms of a government-issued environmental permit. This bill would expand that protection to apply to anyone, regardless of whether they live or do business in Utah, and would explicitly state that this shield covers both civil and criminal liability, as well as any type of legal or equitable remedy, such as court orders requiring a company to change its practices. The bill also broadens the list of gases defined as "greenhouse gases" to include sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and nitrogen trifluoride, in addition to the gases already covered. As before, anyone bringing a lawsuit would still need to identify the specific greenhouse gases involved and prove by clear and convincing evidence that a violation of emissions laws or permits directly caused unavoidable, identifiable harm.