SALT LAKE CITY — A groundbreaking bill, which some advocates are hailing as historic, received endorsement in the House on Tuesday. The bill aims to extend the scope of the Central Utah Completion Act to include the Great Salt Lake drainage.
The Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act, backed by the entire Utah delegation, proposes to utilize unused funds already allocated for Utah. The aim is to extend its influence to support the state of Utah, local communities, and water districts north of Salt Lake County in their water conservation efforts and in replenishing the lake.
The bill proposes to use the unspent budget authority under the Central Utah act for water conservation initiatives, rather than letting it sit idle in a bank account.
Accompanying this measure was the Geothermal Energy Opportunity Act, which aims to simplify the permitting process for this type of renewable energy. Both bills were introduced by Rep. John Curtis, R-Utah, and received bipartisan support.
“I am overjoyed to have unanimous support from my colleagues for this sensible legislation,” Curtis said. “Both of these bills are beneficial to Utahns, who have already invested significant effort to innovate and tackle challenges.”
The stewardship bill was introduced over a year ago — in June of 2023 — with full backing from water conservancy districts. They see it as a relief measure in times marked by the harsh realities of an unpredictable climate that has largely been stuck in drought mode.
The lake, which contributes $1.9 billion annually to Utah’s economy, supports a brine shrimp industry worth up to $60 million. With 21 companies involved in a harvest that provides 40% of the world’s global supply of brine shrimp eggs for aquaculture.
Moreover, over 7,000 people rely on the lake for their livelihood, and the lake contributes to the production of magnesium, salt, and lithium. For instance, Compass Minerals produces the world’s largest supply of sulfate of potash, a specialty fertilizer.
The state also highlights that the largest saltwater lake in the Western hemisphere and the eighth largest in the world creates a “lake effect” snow, adding anywhere from 5% to 10% of Utah’s snow and extends the ski season by as much as five to seven weeks.
From an ecological perspective, the lake attracts more than 10 million birds encompassing 338 species. Visitors from around the globe flock to the lake for bird watching, hoping to capture a photo or even a glimpse of some of the many species that make this stop along the Pacific Flyway.
However, the Great Salt Lake reached historic lows a few years ago, strained by drought and diversions. Experts say that the lake has shrunk to half its geographic footprint, and with that comes 800 square miles of exposed lake bed. This means blowing dust hits the Wasatch Front, exposing people to toxins that include lead and mercury.
The lake’s dwindling size also means many of the waterfowl have opted to go elsewhere — or their survival rate is compromised. Many of the “islands” have been bridged by land, not water, and recreation in general and the state’s snowpack is at risk.
However, Utah is not going to let this geographic wonder fade away without a fight. State lawmakers have spent millions to save it, changed water laws, established the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner, and set up a trust to work with water right holders to get more of that finite resource to the lake.
Lawmakers also amended it so the Great Salt Lake can be considered a “beneficial use” for water, another incentive to let water flow there.
This stewardship act is seen as another historic tool to help the lake before it’s too late.
“Utahns have worked tirelessly to protect the Great Salt Lake, but persistent drought conditions now threaten its long-term viability. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act would expand the Colorado River water conservation program to include the lake,” Curtis said. “Over time, this flexibility will help safeguard its ecological and economic significance, protecting Utah and the West from the economic and public health risks of an ecological disaster.”
Brian Steed, the Great Salt Lake commissioner, added, “The decisions we make today will have a huge impact on the lake and its future, as well as on the quality of life Utahns have historically enjoyed. It is great to have partners in Congress who recognize these issues and are willing to collaborate to create innovative and effective solutions.”
Lawmakers also endorsed the expansion of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to establish a deadline for the Department of the Interior to process applications related to geothermal leases.
The bill’s text specifically states that the U.S. Department of Interior must process each application for a geothermal drilling permit or other authorization under a valid existing geothermal lease within 60 days after completing “all requirements under applicable federal laws and regulations” unless a U.S. federal court acts.
Geothermal Rising, a trade association for the industry, said limited acreage offerings coupled with leases in Utah have been fraught with delay and are creating uncertainties and fostering a wary eye among investors who can’t be sure Utah is a good bet for business — even though its geothermal potential is huge, and it is the third largest producer of that underground energy in the country.
“Geothermal energy is an affordable, reliable, and clean energy source. Despite significant investments from companies to secure project permits, the Department of the Interior often delays authorizations—such as notices to proceed and drilling permits—due to litigation threats,” Curtis said. “Utah is a prime example of geothermal energy’s potential, and we must unlock this resource to meet our energy needs.”
Great news for the future of the Great Salt Lake – bipartisan support is crucial for its preservation.