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Spencer Cox

All articles tagged with #spencer cox

politics25 days ago•6 min saved

Utah Tightens Fireworks Rules as Wildfires Strain Resources Ahead of July Fourth

Facing more than 350 wildfires and rising costs, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a statewide fireworks ban for July 2–5, delegated to the state forester, with cities allowed to designate safe areas. The state also moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions—no open fires on state and private lands—while fires like the Cottonwood Fire near Beaver burn and firefighting resources are stretched. Law enforcement will crack down on violations, and lawmakers had mixed reactions to the broad authority, which could be extended for Pioneer Day.

via The Salt Lake Tribune|

#fireworks #politics #public-safety

environment26 days ago•15 min saved

Utah imposes statewide fireworks ban amid historic wildfire danger

Gov. Spencer Cox issued a temporary statewide fireworks ban due to extreme wildfire conditions, allowing cities to designate permitted zones. The order covers the Independence Day window (July 2–5) and could apply to the Pioneer Day window later, with some cities like Provo and Salt Lake City planning full bans while others may permit designated areas. Officials urge attending professional displays as wildfires scorch the state, burning tens to over 100,000 acres this year and driving up suppression costs.

via KSL News|

#environment #fireworks-ban #independence-day

politics1 month ago•7 min saved

Utah picks a church attorney and a federal prosecutor to reshape its Supreme Court

Gov. Spencer Cox named Jay Jorgensen (LDS Church attorney) and Stephen Dent (Assistant U.S. Attorney) to fill two newly created Utah Supreme Court seats, with Senate confirmation hearings slated amid a sweeping, controversial overhaul of the high court that critics call court-packing; both nominees describe themselves as originalists/textualists and will replace retirees as lawmakers reshape Utah’s judiciary.

via The Salt Lake Tribune|

#judiciary #nominations #politics

politics2 months ago•3 min saved

Cox pledges to do better after contentious Box Elder data-center remarks

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said his remarks criticizing the Box Elder County data-center plan were not up to his standards and vowed to do better. He defended a measured approach while stressing oversight on energy use, water impact on the Great Salt Lake, and air permits, noting early-phase electricity use around 1.5 gigawatts (with higher figures cited previously) and that the developer plans renewables alongside natural gas. The Box Elder County Commission backed an agreement with MIDA to move the project forward amid protests, and Cox urged civility and a focus on shared humanity as officials review environmental safeguards.

via The Salt Lake Tribune|

#box-elder-county #data-center #mida

politics10 months ago•19 min saved

Public Mourning and Political Tensions Following Charlie Kirk's Death

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has become a national figure in mourning and promoting civility after the killing of Charlie Kirk, emphasizing faith-driven peacemaking and dialogue to heal America's divisions amid ongoing political and social crises.

via Politico|

#america-mourning #charlie-kirk #civic-peacemaking

politics2 years ago•2 min saved

"Promoting Bipartisanship and Love Thy Neighbor: Gov. Cox's 'Disagree Better' Initiative"

President Joe Biden and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, from opposing parties, emphasized the need for less bitterness and more bipartisanship in politics during a White House dinner honoring the nation's governors. Cox leads an initiative called "Disagree Better" to reduce divisiveness, and both leaders stressed the importance of working together across party lines. Biden reminisced about a time when lawmakers would argue by day and break bread together at night, while Cox expressed his family's nightly prayers for the president's success. The event aimed to promote unity and collaboration among political leaders.

via The Associated Press|

#bipartisanship #joe-biden #national-governors-association

politics2 years ago•2 min saved

Utah Enacts Controversial Legislation Targeting DEI and Transgender Rights

Utah's governor, Spencer Cox, signed a bill into law prohibiting diversity training, hiring, and inclusion programs at universities and in state government, marking the state as the latest to do so. The law also requires people to use bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools and government-owned buildings that match the sex they were assigned at birth. This move aligns with a trend seen in at least 17 states where Republican lawmakers have proposed bills to restrict or require public disclosure of DEI initiatives, while Democrats in nine states have filed bills to require or promote DEI initiatives.

via NPR|

#dei #diversity-training #higher-education

politics2 years ago•2 min saved

"Utah Enacts Sweeping Restrictions on Diversity and Transgender Rights"

Utah's governor, Spencer Cox, signed a bill into law prohibiting diversity training, hiring, and inclusion programs at universities and in state government, with the measure also requiring people to use bathrooms and locker rooms in public schools and government-owned buildings that match the sex they were assigned at birth. The law will bar universities and government from having offices dedicated to promoting diversity and will not require employees to submit statements of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This move reflects a broader trend, with Republican lawmakers in multiple states proposing bills to restrict or require public disclosure of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while Democrats in other states are filing bills to require or promote such initiatives.

via The Associated Press|

#diversity #equity-and-inclusion #higher-education

politics2 years ago•8 min saved

Utah GOP Governor Expresses Concerns Over U.S. Declining Democracy

Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed concern over the state of democracy in the United States, citing rising political violence and threats towards elected officials. He referenced research by Rachel Kleinfeld, highlighting the normalization of violence in American politics and the decline in trust in political institutions. Cox emphasized the need for Americans to come together and address the growing polarization and hatred, urging individuals to take responsibility for their actions and avoid attacking others. He called for a positive future vision and intense mobilization efforts to galvanize voters without exacerbating antidemocratic attitudes.

via Deseret News|

#democracy #polarization #political-violence