Emery County
Issues for Emery County
Emery County, Utah, is navigating a complex landscape of policy issues shaped by its historical reliance on energy industries, evolving land management policies, and the ongoing need for economic diversification. However, your resilience and commitment to progress are evident in the proactive steps you are taking to transform challenges into opportunities.
I am running for Vice Chair of the Utah Democratic Party because I believe in a future where rural communities like Emery County are not left behind. As Vice Chair, I will focus on two primary responsibilities:
- National Representation – Ensuring that Utah’s concerns are heard at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and working with national leaders to bring resources and support to our state.
- Electing More Democrats – Strengthening our party’s presence at all levels, from local offices to statewide and federal seats, ensuring that communities like Emery County have a voice in policy decisions.
Please take a look at my 6-point roadmap to address the key issues facing our Party.
My Professional Background & Achievements
Throughout my career, I have worked alongside the Biden Administration to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Economic Development Administration, advocating for critical materials exploration and workforce development initiatives that benefit rural communities like Emery County. My efforts include:
✅ Securing funding to identify and develop critical materials in the region.
✅ Partnering with Utah State University-Price to expand manufacturing programs.
✅ Supporting the San Rafael Energy Research Center (SRERC) through partnerships and advocacy.
✅ Helping local companies secure state grants under the Manufacturing Modernization Grant Program.
✅ Collaborating with the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments to develop a mentoring program for entrepreneurs in manufacturing.
✅ Promoting Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to improve business opportunities, medical access, and tourism.
These strategic investmentshave strengthened rural economies in Emery County and beyond—and I will continue to ensure that our communities remain a priority.
Key Issues Facing Emery County & My Plan to Help
Voting Rights & Mail-In Ballots
Utah’s vote-by-mail system has increased voter participation, especially in rural areas like Emery County. However, new legislation threatens this progress, requiring voters to opt in for mail-in ballots and include ID verification starting in 2026. These changes could disproportionately impact Emery County’s residents, particularly seniors and working families.
👉 As Vice Chair, I will fight for voting access and protect rural communities from laws that suppress voter participation.
Access to Health Care
Cuts to Medicare and Medicaidwould devastate rural healthcare access. Many areas in Emery County already lack sufficient hospitals and clinics.
To combat this challenge, I am working on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)—introducing electric aircraft for medical transport. This innovative approach would connect Emery County residents to critical care hospitals in urban centers, ensuring faster and more reliable healthcare access.
👉 As Vice Chair, I will advocate at both the state and national levels to preserve Medicare and Medicaid funding for Emery County.
Critical Materials & Mining in Emery County
Utah has 48 of the 50 Critical Materials required for electrification and national security. To compete globally, we must increase mining of these essential resources, which will create high-paying, working-class jobs.
As of early 2025, Emery County is working toward the opening of the Fossil Rock Mine. Recognizing the challengesof launching a coal mine in today’s energy landscape, the county is partnering with stakeholders to ensure this development succeeds. This includes addressing housing needs for potential employees, demonstrating clear progress toward operational status.
👉 As Vice Chair, I will ensure Emery County is prioritized in state and national critical materials programs to create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Energy Innovation & Research
Emery County is positioning itself as a leader in energy innovation through the San Rafael Energy Research Center (SRERC). This facility is driving progress in:
🔹 Nuclear Energy
🔹 Advanced Power Cycle Technology
🔹 Solar and Renewable Energy Solutions
With 30,000+ square feet of research space and over 100 acres for development, SRERC is attracting companies and government partnerships that will drive economic growth and energy advancements.
👉 As Vice Chair, I will advocate for Emery County’s role in national and state energy policies, ensuring continued investment in innovative energy research.
Infrastructure & Transportation
To revitalize Emery County’s economy, we need modern infrastructure and expanded transportation options.
✅ The Utah Inland Port Authority’s Castle Country Project is leveraging rail infrastructure to support advanced manufacturing and develop new coal applications, such as carbon fiber production.
✅ The proposed Uinta Basin Railway could connect Emery County to national rail networks, creating new industries and job opportunities.
✅ I am working with the Utah Department of Transportation to introduce Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)—electric aircraft for:
- Medical transport
- Airport shuttles
- Tourism development
👉 As Vice Chair, I will push for infrastructure investments that bring real economic benefits and good-paying jobs to Emery County.
A Call to Action: Let’s Build a Stronger Future for Emery County
Emery County is at a crossroads. We can allow challenges to hold us back—or we can embrace opportunities to build a stronger future.
As Vice Chair of the Utah Democratic Party, I will ensure that Emery County’s needs are heardat both the state and national levels. I will be a tireless advocatefor:
✔ Voting rights
✔ Healthcare access
✔ Job creation in mining and energy
✔ Transportation and infrastructure investment
✔ Rural economic growth
But I can’t do this alone—I need your support.
I ask for your vote at the Utah Democratic Party Convention on May 31.
Talk to other Delegates, share our vision, and help us build a more inclusive, prosperous Utah.
Together, we can strengthen rural communities like Emery County and ensure every resident has a voice in shaping Utah’s future.
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