Lawsuits filed to protect Great Salt Lake using public trust doctrine
Environmental groups have filed a lawsuit invoking the public trust doctrine against the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to protect the Great Salt Lake, which is experiencing receding water levels and generating harmful dust storms. The groups argue that the DNR has failed in its duty to protect the lake, which supports millions of migrating birds, a billion-dollar minerals industry, and a multimillion-dollar brine shrimp harvesting industry. The lawsuit calls for more drastic measures to reduce water consumption and curb water diversions until the lake reaches a minimum elevation needed to support industry, recreation, public health, and the environment. The plaintiffs warn of dire consequences for human health and the ecosystem if urgent action is not taken.