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Dear [Senator/Representative],

As you may be aware, an alarming report was published on January 4th, 2023 by researchers at Brigham Young University. In conjunction with several other academic and research institutions, they have discovered that the Great Salt Lake could be completely eradicated within 5 years if we do not take better care in our use of its natural resources.

The lakebed is now known to contain high levels of arsenic, lead, antimony, and other highly hazardous substances. As the lake dries up we are breathing in more and more of this poison. As are our children and animals.

In a separate study by BYU, they have found that current air quality (without all the arsenic and lead) reduces the average Utahn’s live by a full year or more, with sensitive individuals losing 5 years or more. The situation is already a public health crisis, and we cannot afford to let our home be decimated by toxic dust storms.

As your constituent, I urge you to do the following. Please prioritize and vote in favor of measures to conserve water and improve air quality, and vote against any propositions that would seek to divert any additional water from the rivers that feed the lake or add emissions to Utah air. The next few years will truly “make it or break it.”

In a study conducted by NOAA researchers, a refinery for US Magnesium has been found to be the source of 10-25% of the PM2.5 winter inversion pollution. Please support H.B. 220, which will further investigate and seek to reduce the bromine gas emissions.

Utah ranks second worst in the United States for water use per person. Additional measures ought to be taken to inform citizens of the current situation and make recommendations for more conscientious water use. If we are to survive and thrive in this valley, we cannot continue to rapidly expand development projects and waste water if it means we are metaphorically building our house upon the sand.

All will be for naught if living here becomes an inherent health hazard. In situations like this where they may be conflicting goals, it is vitally important that we secure a firm foundation of health and wellbeing for the incredible people who live here before seeking economic development.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

[Your Name}

Furthermore, if the situation does not improve soon, the federal government may step in. An important fact is that we may not get to choose how they solve this problem for us. But why would the federal government get involved? In accordance with their statutes and regulations, it would be if animals who rely on the lake become registered as Endangered Species. Some species are close to reaching this designation now, even with the lake still here. Additionally, the potential wide-spread health impacts of the revealed lakebed could be felt across the nation.

2023 Legislative Update

On February 1st, 2023, a committee of senators voted 4-2 against SCR 6, aimed at establishing a minimum water elevation goal. The proposed goal of 4,198 feet did not require any funding, or programs, or have impacts on anyone’s water rights. This is simply the low-end estimate of what is necessary to prevent environmental catastrophe. Many citizens gave testimony in support of SCR 6 during the committee meeting. Importantly, this included some undergoing cancer treatment and suffering from autoimmune conditions. Yet four of the senators were quick to dismiss the bill, saying that we should not “point fingers” or prioritize Great Salt Lake water levels over other issues. They decided to move on to the next agenda item without any further discussion.

Furthermore, another Senate committee refused to grant schools the funds to renovate their water and energy systems. Since many senators want the schools to have to pay the state back for the repairs, the bill was reduced to simply prioritize the use of federal funds that are already available.

Legislative Good News

Fortunately, House Bill 220 is a newly proposed legislative action against US Magnesium’s unchecked bromine pollution. This company’s single smoke stack is now known to billow out 10-25% of all of the winter inversion we suffer through each year. Luckily, our lawmakers have the authority to tighten up regulations and require this facility to reduce emissions, and this bill has passed into law!

A committee will hear another new bill, House Bill 513, on 02/23/23. This is a very impressive piece of legislation to help the Great Salt Lake. Importantly, it would require companies using the lake to conserve water and recapture it, rather than letting it evaporate. Additionally, a tax would be imposed on profits from the metals extracted by companies mining the lake. This tax will support Great Salt Lake research and maintenance. Emergency management plans will be put in place by this bill in case we reach certain ecological trigger points.