Washington » Months ago, Barack Obama became the first person in a century to accept a major-party presidential nomination in a Mountain West setting.

That occasion in Denver shows the growing political might of the region and how issues long important to the West are gaining national prominence: Energy development, land use, climate change.

Obama has promised sweeping policy changes on these and a whole host of other issues ranging from economic policy to health care reform that will profoundly impact -- for better or worse -- Utah and the West.

He's pledged change from the pro-development policies of his predecessor with renewed attention to protecting the environment and weaning America off foreign oil through development of alternative energies.

He's committed to turn around the ailing economy with a quick and massive investment in rebuilding the nation's roads, bridges and public buildings. And he's vowed to end the war in Iraq, which has claimed the lives of 40 Utahns, while ramping up the war in Afghanistan, in which seven Utahns have died.

"The biggest difference will be the government will not be seen as the enemy but will be seen hopefully as a partner in solving the economic and environmental and domestic and international multiple problems," says Utahn Pat Shea, who headed the Bureau of Land Management under President Clinton.

"Instead of being driven by a cheerleading 'drill, baby, drill' attitude, we'll be thinking about what's sustainable in the future and what actions do we take in 2009 that will benefit our grandchildren in 2049," Shea says.

Beyond the environment, the incoming Obama administration is expected to diverge from Bush policies on an array of issues important to Utah, from mine safety to health care to a new House seat for the Beehive State.

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The economy » Obama's top priority is a huge stimulus bill -- including a large tax cut -- which he hopes will be a lifeline for an economy sinking in layoffs, foreclosures and bankruptcies.

He wants to spend around $775 billion on the package, with the goal of getting it done next month. But it won't happen without a fight. Republicans are complaining about the price tag and some Democrats question his $300 billion tax cuts. The new president will have a hard time swaying some of Utah's skeptical members of Congress. New Rep. Jason Chaffetz has already promised to fight the bill.

But many Utah residents have high expectations for Obama. A plurality -- 46 percent -- say they expect his actions will improve the economy, while only 29 percent expect those actions to make the situation worse.

State leaders also are embracing the Obama strategy.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has sent the Obama team a $14.4 billion wish list that includes major road projects like a widening of I-15 in Utah County and new buildings, such as courthouses and veterans nursing homes. Utah's cities also have their hands outs, saying they have some 100 projects ready to go if the federal money became available.

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War and peace »Obama built his winning campaign on a promise to quickly withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq. With a precipitous drop in violence there over the past year, the incoming administration appears to have a simple path toward making good on that pledge. Changes in military detention policies in both Iraq and Afghanistan -- and the imminent closure of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay -- may also reduce the number of deployments for units that have been cross-trained to conduct prison operations, as many Utah units have over the past three years.

But although reservists can expect fewer tours of duty in Iraq, an increase in violence across Afghanistan may keep Beehive State military units buzzing for years to come. Several Utah outfits with military specialties needed there -- including transportation, medical and aviation units -- are in line for second war rotations. Meanwhile, active duty and reserve units from Hill Air Force Base -- particularly those from the base's fighter wings -- can expect a continuation of the steady deployment pace of the past several years. That's because the Iraqi and Afghan militaries still don't have the weapons or expertise necessary to conduct and support air operations.

The net effect for Utah's military families may be a gradual decrease in the rigorous pace of training and deployments of the past seven years, with emphasis on "gradual."

Utahns appear optimistic Obama will succeed in the managing the two wars and in ensuring the nation's security. A majority --53 percent -- say they are very or somewhat confident about the president-elect's prospects.

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Oil shale exploration » Energy developers were excited when Congress in October dropped its opposition to selling leases on federal lands for oil shale exploration.

But it may be short lived, if Obama's pick for Interior Department secretary is any indication. Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo, has blocked a rush to develop oil shale, which supporters say is a vast source of domestic energy. Salazar and environmentalists argue that more time is needed to study the ramifications, since no company has yet found a way to commercially produce energy from the shale in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.

Jeff Hartley, a Utah energy consultant and pro-oil shale advocate, says he's hopeful the Obama administration will take time to listen to oil companies before shutting the door to a major economic engine in the West.

"There's kind of a wait and see, fingers-crossed attitude among energy developers, hoping that Obama will recognize the need for domestically produced energy," he says.

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Health care » The Obama team, led by Health and Human Services-designee Tom Daschle, will attempt a major overhaul of the American health care system. The lofty goal is to insure everyone and reduce costs -- not an easy task.

Former President Clinton tried to reform health care, but failed famously. Bush's plan, pushed by former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, never gained traction.

But a number of key groups, including insurance companies and doctors' organizations, have promised to work with Obama. Even Republicans and Democrats have sought middle ground.

Utah GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch is working with Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., on what might become the final proposal, while Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., have their own bill that would separate health insurance from employment.

Expect some smaller bills to come first, including one of Hatch's favorites.

Bush repeatedly vetoed the reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program, saying Democrats were using it as a way to shift families from private insurance to a publicly provided plan. A new CHIP bill will most likely be one of the first that Obama signs.

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Mine safety » After the deaths of six miners and three would-be rescuers at the Crandall Canyon Mine, critics argued that in the Bush administration mine safety has taken a back seat to the corporate interests. Subsequent investigations have mainly faulted the mine's owner, though the Mine Safety and Health Administration took a beating for lax oversight.

The United Mine Workers of America says it expects that under Obama, mines in the country will be safer and administrators will be stronger watchdogs for mine workers.

Phil Smith, a spokesman for the union, says that mining oversight under Bush wasn't "particularly good," though MSHA has boosted inspections and mine deaths were actually trending down in 2008.

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Fourth House seat for Utah » A bill that would grant the District of Columbia its first full-voting member of Congress and give Utah a fourth House seat failed after Bush advisers recommended a veto.

But the bill is expected to make a quick comeback with Obama in the White House. Obama co-sponsored the bill in the Senate and continues to support it. Paired with a larger Democratic majority in both congressional chambers, he could help Utah get another House member in 2010. But even if it passes, the measure could be held up in the courts.

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Public lands » Environmental groups tired of the constant scuffles with the Bush administration are hoping for better relations with and significant policy changes from Obama and Salazar, his designee for Interior secretary.

They were buoyed when members of the transition team criticized the Bureau of Land Management for the sale of oil and gas lease in Utah's red rock country.

Issues of energy will most likely dominate the public lands debate under an Obama administration, overwhelming other issues such as the use of ATVs or the expansion of wilderness protection areas.

After his appointment was announced, Salazar almost exclusively focused on energy development, giving scant mention to the other aspects of his job.

But groups like the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance hope to convince Salazar to reopen six land management plans in Utah that they believe included too many acres for all-terrain vehicles and other commercial uses.

Matthew D. LaPlante contributed to this article.

tburr@sltrib.com, mcanham@sltrib.com