Utah legislature approves grass removal rebate

Signs of Drought at the Great Salt Lake. Photo: TownLift // Kevin Cody.

SALT LAKE CITY — The state legislature approved a $5 million rebate program for residents that remove their grass. This will be the first statewide turf buyback program in the United States, with an expected rollout in the fall.

The HB 121 bill lists some preliminary eligibility requirements. First, the property must have living and maintained grass and intend to replace it with a drought-resistant type of landscaping. Secondly, the owner has to be paid up and in good standing with their water provider. The bill establishes that participation is voluntary and not a governmental code or policy requirement.

The program will follow Central Utah Water Conservancy District, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy, and Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, which all offer similar programs in their territories.

Further information can be found on the state’s website. Information on the district-level programs and others can be found on the Utah Water Savers site.