Utah’s 2022 and 2023 legislative sessions concluded with a record number of water conservation bills and appropriations totaling nearly $1 billion in spending. 2024 legislation continued the trend and added to the efforts to protect Utah’s water resources. 2025 saw less transformative legislation as the state focused on current projects. In 2026 we focused legislation on water leasing and conservation. These efforts will help Utah become water-efficient and thus resilient in both dry and wet years. Moreover, this resiliency will help preserve and protect the Great Salt Lake.
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.