Since 2020, the Utah Legislature has passed more water-related bills and appropriated more funding for conservation than in the previous 50 years combined. Driven by extreme drought and historic low water levels at Great Salt Lake, lawmakers shifted from transactional, development-focused projects (dams and pipelines) to structural policy reforms and unprecedented funding investments.
2026 Great Salt Lake Legislation
HB 247: Great Salt Lake Related Amendments
- Addresses funding of activities that benefit the Great Salt Lake.
- Appropriated $30 million for purchase of U.S. Magnesium, $2.75 million ongoing for Great Salt Lake, and $5 million for water litigation.
HB 296: Water Commitments
- Allows water providers to include commitment of available water to uses on the Great Salt Lake in their conservation plans.
HB 348: Dedicated Water Amendments
- Establish a new category of water application called a “dedicated water application.”
HB 410: Water Leasing Amendments
- Establishes a new “Great Salt Lake Preservation Program” to lease agricultural water for the benefit of the Great Salt Lake.
HCR 9: Concurrent Resolution Addressing the Great Salt Lake
- Urges the President, Congress, and federal agencies to provide significant and timely assistance to stabilize and restore the Great Salt Lake.
HJR 30: House Joint Resolution to Approve the Transfer of Land
- Approves the transfer of 22,311 acres to the US government to be used for the benefit of the Great Salt Lake.