Ban Corporate Exploitation and Save the Great Salt Lake
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Sponsor: The Rainforest Site
The Great Salt Lake is vanishing, releasing toxic dust and endangering our health—act now to stop corporate exploitation from destroying the environment and Americans' health.
The Great Salt Lake, a vital natural resource in Utah, is facing an unprecedented crisis. This unique ecosystem, which supports millions of migratory birds and a thriving local economy, is rapidly shrinking.
The lake has lost two-thirds of its water since the 1980s, leaving vast areas of exposed lakebed1. This reduction has severe implications for the environment and public health, as toxic dust storms laden with heavy metals like arsenic and lead now threaten the air quality for millions of residents2.
Industry and Agriculture
The primary culprits behind this crisis are unsustainable water consumption and corporate exploitation. Agriculture consumes about 63.5% of the water that should flow into the lake, while mineral extraction companies, such as Compass Minerals, use around 7%3.
These industries, driven by profit, divert crucial water resources away from the lake, exacerbating its decline. The consequences are dire: the lake's ecosystem is on the brink of collapse, endangering not only wildlife but also the livelihoods and health of Utah residents1.
Legislative Efforts and Limitations
In response to this growing crisis, Utah's government has implemented House Bill 453, which seeks to regulate the water usage of mineral extraction companies.
This legislation marks a significant shift in the state's traditionally industry-friendly policies, aiming to curb excessive water consumption4. However, critics argue that the bill does not go far enough in addressing the root causes of the lake's decline.
There is an urgent need for more comprehensive measures, including stricter water conservation policies and a reassessment of water rights5.
Action is Urgently Needed
The Great Salt Lake is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of public health and social justice. The toxic dust released from the drying lakebed poses severe health risks, potentially causing respiratory illnesses and other serious conditions.
Furthermore, the economic implications are profound. The lake supports industries like brine shrimp harvesting and tourism, which are at risk of collapse if the lake continues to shrink1.
Call to Action
We must act now to protect this precious resource. The time has come for Utah's leaders to prioritize the conservation of the Great Salt Lake over corporate interests. We call on the Governor of Utah and the Great Salt Lake Commissioner to ban further water extraction by corporations and implement stringent regulations to safeguard this critical ecosystem.
This action is essential not only to protect the lake's fragile environment but also to ensure the health and safety of our communities.
The future of the Great Salt Lake hangs in the balance. Without immediate and decisive action, we risk losing a vital natural wonder and endangering the wellbeing of countless people and wildlife. It is up to us to make a difference. We urge you to join us in demanding a sustainable future for the Great Salt Lake.
Sign the petition today and help save the Great Salt Lake. Your voice matters. Together, we can ensure a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for all.
- Lottie Limb, Euronews (6 September 2022), "Utah’s Great Salt Lake is disappearing - and it could turn the region into a toxic dust bowl."
- Leia Larsen, Salt Lake Tribune (9 February 2024), "Mineral companies use 7% of Great Salt Lake’s water. Here’s how a bill would change their business."
- Leia Larsen, Salt Lake Tribune (7 September 2023), "New lithium company wants billions of gallons from Great Salt Lake, but says it will put it all back."
- Brooke Larsen, High Country News (4 March 2024), "A new law seeks to tame mineral extraction at the Great Salt Lake."
- Brianna Randall, Science News (17 April 2023), "The Great Salt Lake is shrinking. What can we do to stop it?"
The Petition:
To the Governor of Utah and the Great Salt Lake Commissioner,
We, the undersigned, call on the Governor of Utah and the Great Salt Lake Commissioner to take immediate action to ban corporations from exploiting the waters of the Great Salt Lake. This precious natural resource is essential for the health and wellbeing of our communities, ecosystems, and economy. The ongoing water diversion by large corporations has contributed significantly to the lake's alarming shrinkage, releasing toxic dust and heavy metals into the air, endangering the health of residents and wildlife alike.
The Great Salt Lake is a unique and vital ecosystem that supports millions of migratory birds, provides habitat for diverse wildlife, and contributes to Utah's economy through industries like tourism, brine shrimp harvesting, and mineral extraction. However, the lake is now at risk of ecological collapse due to excessive water extraction and environmental mismanagement. As the lakebed dries, toxic dust storms become more frequent, posing severe public health risks and threatening our way of life.
We demand that state authorities prioritize the conservation of the Great Salt Lake by banning further water extraction by corporations. This ban will not only protect the lake's fragile ecosystem but also safeguard the health of our communities. We urge the Governor and the Great Salt Lake Commissioner to implement stringent regulations that prevent the depletion of this critical resource and ensure that any water usage is sustainable and beneficial for all Utah residents.
By taking these actions, we can ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all Utahans. Protecting the Great Salt Lake is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of public health, economic stability, and social justice. Let us come together to preserve this natural treasure for future generations and prevent further harm to our communities.
Sincerely,
