October 31, 2023 — Earlier this month, Utah State University’s Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air (JQL) released its 2023 report to Gov. Spencer Cox and the Utah Legislature summarizing many of Utah’s most critical land, water and air concerns.

Utahans are concerned about water, the report reveals.  JQL found that more than half of the respondents to its survey “are very concerned about drought/lack of water, poor air quality, and the drying of the Great Salt Lake.”

Over 40 contributors, including USU scholars, local agency associates, and community pioneers, were part of the effort.

The report highlights special segments on the Colorado River and 2023’s significant issues surrounding land, water, and air.

The Cache Valley Daily reports that, “In 2021 the Utah legislature established the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute through a resolution expressing support for the institute while outlining its role and mandating its responsibilities; this report helps fulfill part of that mandate.”

The report can be read here (PDF download).