Utah is asking for our lawsuit to protect Great Salt Lake to be dismissed
A handful of news outlets covered the latest update on our lawsuit to protect Great Salt Lake. The purpose of the lawsuit is to force state agencies to take meaningful measures to raise water levels in the lake.
The state, however, is asking courts to dismiss the lawsuit, saying they are already taking measures. The Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Rights and Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands filed separate motions to dismiss the case.
In a statement to Fox 13, the Utah Department of Natural Resources cited actions taken by Governor Cox, which include suspending new water appropriations from the Basin. Not only is that not enough, because the lake is in dire condition with the current water appropriates, but the Salt Lake Tribune coverage points out his policy “left the door open for a powerful lawmaker to drill wells for his ranch near the lake’s shore.”
UPHE board president Dr. Brian Moench had a recent op-ed exposing the many flaws in the state’s cited efforts to save the lake.
Our lawsuit uses the public trust doctrine, which holds that the state manages our resources to the benefit of the public.
Arguing against the lawsuit, executive director of the DNR, Joel Ferry told ABC4 “A lawsuit like this would force a total shift in how we live our lives here in Utah. It would be really disruptive to life here on the Wasatch Front.” A total shift is exactly what we need. If it’s not made to save the lake, it will come as a result of losing the lake.
Great Salt Lake receding puts the public at great risk through increasing toxic dust storms. The lakebed is saturated with heavy metals, like mercury, that are blowing along the Wasatch Front.
The case’s next scheduled hearing is slated for Jan. 9, 2024.
Coverage on the update: