Wildlife consultation procedure for utility scale renewable energy facilities
Key: wildlife, energy facilities
Date of last change: Aug. 22, 2026
Notice of continuation: New rule
Authorizing, and implementing or interpreted law: 54-17-1201, 54-17-1203
R657-75-1. Purpose and Authority.
Pursuant to Sections 54-17-1201 and 54-17-1203, this rule defines the wildlife consultation procedure and standards for utility scale renewable energy facilities.
R657-75-2. Definitions.
(1) Terms used in this rule are defined in Sections 54-17-1201, 54-17-1203 and Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
(2) In addition:
(a) "Division" means the Division of Wildlife Resources.
(b) "Location" means a spatial-referenced polygon of the project boundary.
(c) "Layout" means a map or drawing depicting the location of project infrastructure such as arrays, towers, fences, roads, transmission lines, and other affected areas within the project boundary.
(d) "Timeline" means the estimated start and end dates for both the planning and construction phases of the project.
(e) "Wildlife survey" means a biological or ecological assessment, or a survey conducted by a wildlife biologist.
(f) "Proof of consultation" means a letter signed by the director or designee of the division with recommendations specific to the proposed project.
R657-75-3. Wildlife Consultation Procedure
(1) Pursuant to Sections 54-17-1201 and 54-17-1203, the owner or operator of a utility scale renewable energy project shall consult with the division regarding potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat.
(2) To initiate a wildlife consultation, the owner or operator must submit a complete consultation request through an electronic form provided by the division.
(3) A complete consultation request shall include location, layout, timeline, any wildlife surveys that have been completed, project design features that are being considered to reduce impacts to wildlife, and a Wildlife Habitat Analysis Tool report for the project.
(4) The division will provide notice to the owner or operator via email that a complete consultation request has been received.
(5) The 30 day consultation period begins once a complete consultation request is received by the division.
(6) The owner or operator must meet with the division within 14 days of submitting a complete consultation request.
(7) After the owner or operator meets with the division, the division will provide proof of consultation to the owner or operator via email within 30 days of the initiation of the consultation process.