The Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act has moved forward in the legislative process, passing unanimously through the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The bill aims to transfer control of the Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) site to Grand County after cleanup and remediation are completed.
U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT), who leads the bipartisan legislation with Representative Mike Kennedy (R-UT), commented on the committee’s decision: “The Committee’s action today is the result of years of steady, bipartisan work and close collaboration with local leaders, community members, and federal agencies. The Moab UMTRA site has been the focus of one of the most significant environmental cleanups in the country, and as that work nears completion, it’s essential that we plan responsibly for the future. This legislation ensures the land can be safely transferred and that Grand County—not Washington—is empowered to decide what comes next. That local control is the heart of this bill.”
The proposed law would authorize the U.S. Department of Energy to hand over responsibility for the site once it is considered safe for reuse. Local officials would then have authority over its long-term management and development plans.
Other Utah lawmakers supporting this measure include U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) as well as Representatives Burgess Owens, Celeste Maloy, and Blake Moore.
More information about this legislation can be found at https://www.energy.senate.gov/2026/2/curtis-bill-to-transfer-moab-umtra-site-advances.
