Can the Great Salt Lake be Saved?

We’re glad to see that a great deal of attention is now being paid locally and nationally to the disappearance of the Great Salt Lake. There are numerous reasons why the lake must be preserved, but in our view at the top of the list is the dust, contaminated with heavy metals and agricultural chemicals, that is left wherever dry beach replaces the lake. 

This bill proposed by Sen. Romney and Rep. Moore to direct the U.S. Geological Survey “‘to assess, monitor and benefit the hydrology’ of terminal water systems in the region, along with the habitat they provide for waterfowl and other wildlife,” is certainly welcomed. However, just like with air quality, monitoring alone doesn’t solve problems. It just tells you how serious the problem is. Meaningful action is needed to (1) Stop diverting inlets like the Bear River, and abandon absurd plans to divert even more of it like the Bear River Project. (2) Stop making the climate crisis worse. (3) Stop insisting that Utah’s population can continue to grow indefinitely while our water resources go from dire to catastrophic, which is what climate scientists predict. (4) Stop unnecessary further stress on our water supply with projects like the dirty energy inland port.

Read the recent Salt Lake Tribune article here.