When Utah’s legislative session commenced in January, the state had a budget surplus of $1.25 billion.  This windfall offered hope to many who are concerned about the water levels in the Great Salt Lake and wanted funds allocated toward short-term emergency actions to safeguard the lake; however, winter storms dumped huge and much-needed amounts of precipitation, leaving most mountain ranges with nearly double the normal amount of snowpack for that time of year.  This reprieve curbed the sense of urgency surrounding the lake leaving lawmakers at odds regarding the necessity of emergency measures.

The state faces the same water shortfalls seen throughout much of the western U.S.  Fall 2022 saw lake levels at an all-time low.  Protecting the lake is critical for the environment, endangered species, and the state’s economy.   According to a report prepared for the Great Salt Lake Council, the lake’s total economic output is an estimated $1.32 billion.[1]   Lower water levels generate increased salinity which endangers lake-dependent organisms, including the millions of migratory birds that use it for breeding, staging (resting and refueling), and as a winter destination.  Air quality is under siege for millions living in proximity to the lake as dust, containing arsenic and other heavy metals, blows from the dry lakebed. 

To address mounting water vulnerability, lawmakers allocated $413 million in one-time money and $14 million for ongoing water conservation efforts.[2]  Toward the Great Salt Lake specifically, funds were allocated for dust and air quality studies.  Additionally, allocations were made toward the creation of the Great Salt Lake Commission and Commissioner positions which would oversee a trust established for lake improvements and manage all associated agencies.

Lawmakers chose not to purchase short-term water rights as an emergency measure to bolster lake levels.  State Senator Scott Sandall stated, “Mother Nature helped us out. We didn’t have to pull that lever for emergency use.”[3] Not all agree with that assessment, believing that the decision to not capitalize on the abundant precipitation is a missed opportunity. 

Although the state contributed significant funds and enacted legislation toward a long-term conservation vision for the lake, time will tell whether the long-term vision proves to be short-sighted because the benefit of one rainy season can’t erode years of deficits.

[1] Bioeconomics, Inc. “Economic Significance of the Great Salt Lake to the State of Utah.” Utah Department of Environmental Quality, 8 Feb. 2023, deq.utah.gov/water-quality/water-quality-standards.

[2] McKellar, Katie. “Here’s How Utah Is Spending Your Money.” Deseret News, 25 Feb. 2023, www.deseret.com/utah/2023/2/24/23613674/budget-taxpayer-money-utah-legislature-spending-educaiton-water.

[3] Bush, Evan. “Great Salt Lake Still at Risk despite Influx of Snow and Cash.” NBCNews.Com, 18 Mar. 2023, www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/great-salt-lake-still-risk-influx-snow-cash-rcna74949.