Utah State University's Quinney College of Natural Resources students stepped out of the classroom and into the halls of power during a recent visit to the Utah State Capitol. According to USU Today, the trip, taking place on Jan. 31, was part of the ENVS 6900 course on Utah Natural Resources and Environmental Legislation. The course instructor, Brian Steed, executive director of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air, led the students through various legislative meetings, offering them a hands-on experience in the process of environmental policymaking.
During the "Outdoor Recreation Day on the Hill" event, students immersed themselves in discussions about the outdoor industry's contribution to Utah's economy while sharing breakfast in the Capitol Rotunda with local organizations and stakeholders. These introductory activities were aimed at demonstrating the wider impact of environmental legislation on various aspects of life in Utah. Brian Steed remarked, "The goal of this trip is to give students a real-world understanding of how environmental policy is created and the role that they can play in shaping it," as obtained by USU Today.
The students also attended a Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environmental Quality Appropriations Subcommittee meeting, observing first-hand the process of requesting appropriations and legislative discourse. These practical insights enriched the theoretical knowledge students had gained before their visit, bridging the gap between academia and real-world application. "It’s one thing to read about it, but seeing it in action really brings it to life," said Anna McEntire, the institute’s managing director, and Steed's teaching assistant, as noted by USU Today.
Interactive Q&A sessions with industry professionals offered invaluable insights to budding environmental policymakers. Among the speakers were representatives from the Utah League of Cities and Towns, Utah Clean Energy, and officials from various state agencies. Joel Ferry, director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, shared his unique perspective as a former legislator, and current state executive, encouraging students to get personally involved with the legislative process, according to USU Today.
