Balanced News: Environmentalists sue Utah for failing to protect the shrinking Great Salt Lake

Conservation groups have filed a lawsuit against the state of Utah for failing to protect the shrinking Great Salt Lake. The lawsuit claims that excessive diversions of water for agriculture, industry, and other uses have contributed to the lake’s decline. The plaintiffs argue that the state’s actions violate the public trust doctrine and have asked the court to restore the lake to healthy water levels. Without intervention, heavy metals and sediments from the drying lakebed could pose health risks to Utah residents. The Great Salt Lake has already lost 73% of its water and 60% of its surface area compared to historical levels.