City Council explores amendments to RTI Overlay, tables for further consideration

The Eagle Mountain City Council discussed proposed amendments to the Regional, Technology, and Industry (RTI) Overlay Zone during its meeting on Tuesday night.

Ultimately, the City Council tabled the decision, opting for additional review and public input before reconsideration.

The amendments, introduced by City staff, aim to establish a regulatory framework for potential future energy generation projects that address advancements in technology.

“These proposed amendments are about staying ahead of technological changes while ensuring community and environmental safety,” City Communications Manager Tyler Maffitt has previously said.

The proposal has sparked collaboration among City leaders, planning officials and residents. Last week, the City’s Planning Commission recommended denial of the amendments with a 3-2 vote, citing concerns about risks, gaps in the regulations and insufficient oversight mechanisms.

Public comment on the matter was extensive and varied. Mayor Tom Westmoreland recognized the value of the discussion.

“We heard a lot of great things, and there were some great recommendations,” Westmoreland said. “I do like the concept of having discussions in a less formal environment…Help all of us be better educated on the subject of energy and the options before us.”

City Councilmember Brett Wright said he was looking for a more targeted approach, suggesting the creation of a dedicated sub-zone within the RTI Overlay tailored toward energy generation projects.

“Let’s find a way to learn as much as we can and see if we can craft a radioactive-proof box in which we can consider some nuclear power generation within the City of Eagle Mountain or within some areas that we may want to consider annexing,” Wright said.

The Utah State Legislature is currently considering amendments to House Bill 249 and Senate Bill 132, which pertain to Nuclear Energy and Electric Utilities. The proposed amendments are being discussed in the ongoing legislative session.

Councilmember Rich Wood emphasized the importance of getting the issue right the first time.

 “Especially with the comments on both sides, we want to have better control of where this goes,” Wood says. “It would be prudent to see what the state is going to regulate and then work within that framework to see how it’s going to function.”

Tuesday’s meeting featured extensive public comment, with input from both residents and energy professionals. Advocates highlighted the potential economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the city’s energy portfolio, including increased local energy resilience and potential job creation.

Critics, however, expressed concerns about the safety and environmental implications of technologies like SMRs and questioned whether the City is adequately prepared to regulate such projects.

Councilmember Donna Burnham shared a personal perspective on energy and environmental concerns.

 “I am a proponent of nuclear power because it is cleaner. I have family members with asthma, to the point that when we lived in Provo, my daughter had to take breathing treatments all the time. We came out here to Eagle Mountain, and she didn’t have to use it again,” she said.

Burnham stressed the importance of setbacks, adding, “I am concerned with setbacks. I don’t know if we got those nailed down correctly yet. Let’s get those experts in a room and let’s figure this out and let’s not wait six months to do it.”

Much of the discussion centered on local oversight. Several speakers stressed that any future energy projects would be subject to rigorous review processes and oversight by federal and state agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, among many others.

Eagle Mountain’s rapid growth has heightened the need for thoughtful energy planning.

Councilmember Jared Gray echoed the sentiment of several other councilmembers.

“I also do not feel that I’m comfortable making these decisions tonight with what I know,” Gray said. “I personally am not in a place to go forward. I agree that the RTI Overlay is not prescriptive enough of a zoning regulation.”

With a population over 70,000, the City must balance its growing energy demands with the responsibility to safeguard its residents and environment. The RTI Overlay Zone, established in 2019, was initially intended to attract technology and industrial projects, and contributed to investments made by Tyson Foods, Meta and others in the community.

The proposed amendments represent an adaptation of that vision, expanding the scope to include modern energy technologies.

City staff clarified that the amendments aim to establish a proactive stance on energy issues.

“One of the things I love most about Eagle Mountain is the passion our residents bring to the table,” said Councilmember Melissa Clark. “When people show up, speak up, and show their concerns and ideas, it reminds me how much this community cares about its future.”

By tabling the decision, the Council has signaled its intent to further consider the issue.

“One thing is for sure, I am proud to be a citizen of Eagle Mountain tonight,” Wright said.

Over the coming weeks, City officials plan to engage with stakeholders, including industry experts, regulatory agencies and community members, to address concerns and refine the proposal. Further, the City intends to learn more about proposed amendments to Utah Code that may ultimately influence the outcome of the City’s considerations.