Environmental groups challenging state projects would have to put up money up front that would be forfeited if they do not prevail in their lawsuit under a bill given preliminary Senate approval Thursday.
Those groups could also be liable for damages if a judge rules against them.
"These injunctions often are sought strictly for the purposes of delay, to ramp up the cost of projects so they're not affordable," said Sen. Stephen Urquhart, R-St. George, sponsor of the bill.
The bill could be up for a final Senate vote Friday.
Robert Gehrke