In the 21st Century an economy's success is no longer defined by a region's proximity to a seaport, a rail station, a gold mine, or a big city. Instead, a region's greatest economic advantage is a livable community with free-flowing traffic, clean air and water, attractive natural landscapes, and fabulous places to recreate. Utah is known for all of these. Governor Leavitt wants to keep it that way.

During the Leavitt administration the state has taken historic steps to enhance Utah's livability. The state has made record investments in transportation. The governor helped found the Western Regional Air Partnership to promote regional strategies for cleaner air. He is the honorary co-chair of the Envision Utah, the nation's largest voluntary quality growth partnership.

Governor Leavitt has adopted a conservation ethic within state government and encouraged all Utahns to do likewise. The governor created the Enlibra doctrine for sound management of natural resources and he actively opposes the storage of high-level nuclear waste in Utah. The governor is committed to keeping Utah clean, safe and livable.