Three years ago, Utah's lawmakers urgently began efforts to save the Great Salt Lake, which has dramatically declined in size, exposing toxic dust and threatening public health. In 2022, the situation was labeled an 'environmental nuclear bomb' by former lawmaker Joel Ferry. Although new water laws have been passed, the resulting measures may take decades to yield benefits, leading critics to call for a more rapid response. The lake's decline risks environmental disaster and impacts Utah's economy and ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of immediate and effective action.
Three years ago, Utah's Great Salt Lake was at its lowest levels, alarming state lawmakers into action to try to save it from drying up.
Brian Steed, the state's Great Salt Lake commissioner, noted that fast crises often receive more attention than slow crises that gradually unfold.
Critics warn that without increased efforts, Utah could face a public health disaster and the collapse of an ecosystem vital to millions of birds.
The measures being pursued to save the Great Salt Lake could take decades to produce results, raising concern over their efficacy.
Collection
[
|
...
]