politics

Utah Legislation Aims to Protect the Great Salt Lake with New Bills

The Utah Legislature plans to introduce bills to protect the Great Salt Lake amid environmental concerns.

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The Utah State Legislature is introducing a series of bills to aid the Great Salt Lake, which is currently facing significant challenges due to water diversions, drought, and climate change. Among the initiatives, farmer Bill White has entered a unique agreement with the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust to lease 645 acre-feet of water rights from his Huntsville-area farm. This arrangement allows him to conserve water resources while sending the leased water downstream to Pineview Reservoir, which in turn will release an equivalent amount into the lake. The Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust was established with $40 million by the Utah State Legislature to purchase or lease water for the lake. This initiative is managed by The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society, which are actively working with water rights holders to facilitate such transactions. Rep. Jill Koford, R-Ogden, is spearheading a bill in the upcoming 2026 Utah State Legislature session aimed at simplifying the process of 'water banking' for farmers. This bill seeks to clarify water law changes that allow farmers to lease their water rights without the risk of forfeiture, encouraging broader participation in conservation efforts. With the Great Salt Lake at risk of reaching new historic lows, the legislature is also revisiting previously paused water bills to enhance conservation measures. Koford has reported bipartisan support for legislation requiring data centers to disclose their water usage, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, Democrats, including Rep. Doug Owens and Sen. Nate Blouin, are proposing measures to enforce landscaping restrictions and to mandate that cities adopt water conservation ordinances. These legislative efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of the Great Salt Lake to Utah's economy, environment, and overall livability. As discussions continue, the aim is to create effective policies that not only protect the lake but also support the agricultural community in Utah.