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Senate urges careful review of Snake Valley groundwater pumping and asks governor to allow public participation
Summary
The Senate read and advanced a joint resolution asking the governor to assess potential economic, social and environmental impacts of groundwater pumping in Snake Valley by out‑of‑state interests and to refrain from entering agreements until required scientific studies are complete.
The Senate moved forward House Joint Resolution 1 (first substitute) concerning groundwater development in Snake Valley and the potential effects of pumping by the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Sponsor Senator Stoll said the resolution requests the governor carefully assess economic, social and environmental consequences in Utah and to allow public participation in any agreement required by federal legislation.
The resolution was amended in committee to add language that the scientific steps required by the Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation and Development Act of February 2004 be completed before any final agreement is executed. Senator Stoll said the resolution also asks that the Executive Appropriations Committee consider funding for the necessary scientific study and requests copies of the resolution be sent to the governor of Nevada, state engineers for both states, the Southern Nevada Water Authority and local citizen groups such as the Snake Valley Citizens Alliance.
Senator Dayton and others spoke in support, noting the shared nature of the aquifer and the need to protect livelihoods, public health and local economies. The resolution was read for the third time on the floor (26 yes, 0 nay, 3 absent) and will move forward for further action.
