I serve on the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Committee because clean air, water conservation, and best land use policies are the foundation for our health and for a sustainable future for Utah. Each of us can make a difference in water us in our state. Here are some great suggestions.

Our district includes four major ski resorts and is impacted by more visitors than Zion’s National Park. We need the best balance for our canyons between access and preservation. I stand with the mayors of Alta, Cottonwood Heights, Sandy, Salt Lake City, and Salt Lake County in support of commonsense solutions rather than spend half a billion taxpayer dollars to benefit 3% of Utahns with solutions that would degrade Little Cottonwood Canyon. As I’ve joined Alta Town Council meetings remotely, I’ve heard Alta Resort manager report that reserved parking has been extremely well received by skiers and has led to their busiest year ever. I’m also working with Brighton Mayor Dan Knopp for traffic solutions for Big Cottonwood Canyon, which had increased traffic congestion this winter.

Water is my main focus. I am a founding member of the Bi-Partisan Great Salt Lake Caucus. I worked with the Department of Natural Resources to embed the Watershed Restoration Initiative into our state code. I attended The 2022 Great Salt Lake Summit, The Wallace Stegnar Center Symposium on the Colorado River Compact, and The Friends of Great Salt Lake 2022 Forum. I work with legislators and scientists for the best future for Utah Lake. While our legislature passed 15 bills in 2022 to improve state water law and promote water conservation, we have only begun. I continue to meet with water conservancy district managers, our state water engineer and other state leaders to collaborate as we work to save Great Salt Lake and address climate change.

I’m excited to serve at Utah’s State Lead with the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and to collaborate with national leaders. I’m learning about ways Utah and other western states can prepare our electric grids to expedite use of green energy. I’m a member of the Bi-Partisan Clean Air Caucus. I joined the Six County Association of Governments to investigate rural Utah needs and concerns and find ways agriculture can thrive and optimize water use.

I oppose counterproductive proposals like Lake Powell Pipeline or dredging and development of Utah Lake. These costly investments can’t magically create more water in Utah. We can improve our watersheds and be wise and use technology to use less water.