73-32-202. Duties and authorizations of the commissioner.
(1) The commissioner, under the administrative oversight of the executive director, shall:
(a) subject to Section 73-32-204, prepare an approved strategic plan for the long-term health of the Great Salt Lake and update the strategic plan regularly;
(b) oversee the execution of the strategic plan by other state agencies as provided in Section 73-32-203;
(c) maintain information that measures Great Salt Lake levels, salinity, and overall health;
(d) meet regularly with the executive director and with the executive director of the Department of Environmental Quality;
(e) consult with the Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands regarding Title 65A, Chapter 16, Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Program;
(f) monitor the integrated water assessment conducted under Chapter 10g, Part 4, Great Salt Lake Watershed Integrated Water Assessment;
(g) inform the governor, the president of the Senate, and the speaker of the House of Representatives, at least annually, about the status of the strategic plan and the progress regarding implementation of the strategic plan;
(h) at least annually, by no later than October 1, report to the Executive Appropriations Committee regarding the expenditure of money under this chapter;
(i) work cooperatively with and receive input and recommendations from the Great Salt Lake Trust Council created under Section 65A-16-301 in accordance with Section 65A-16-302;
(j) coordinate and work collaboratively with water conservancy districts that serve water users within the Great Salt Lake watershed;
(k) consult on projects funded by state appropriations that are designed to acquire or lease water or water rights for the Great Salt Lake to ensure the project is consistent with the strategic plan;
(l) facilitate leasing under Chapter 34, Great Salt Lake Preservation Program; and
(m) annually report, by no later than October 1, to the Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Interim Committee regarding the activities of the commissioner.
(2) The commissioner may:
(a) access information from other state or federal agencies related to the Great Salt Lake;
(b) develop cooperative agreements between the state, political subdivisions, and agencies of the federal government for involvement in the strategic plan;
(c) produce research, documents, maps, studies, analysis, or other information that supports the strategic plan for the Great Salt Lake;
(d) facilitate and coordinate the exchange of information, comments, and recommendations on Great Salt Lake policies between and among:
(i) state agencies;
(ii) political subdivisions;
(iii) institutions of higher education that conduct research relevant to the Great Salt Lake;
(iv) nonprofit entities; and
(v) private business;
(e) communicate with the Great Salt Lake Watershed Council created under Chapter 10g, Part 3, Watershed Councils Act;
(f) subject to Subsection (4), negotiate agreements, leases, or other means to acquire or lease water or water rights for the Great Salt Lake pursuant to the exemption under Subsection 63G-6a-107.6(2);
(g) accept money from public and private sources for the purpose of funding the leasing of water or water rights for the Great Salt Lake, including leases under Chapter 34, Great Salt Lake Preservation Program; and
(h) perform other duties that the commissioner considers necessary or expedient to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(3)
(a) The commissioner may not expend money for the purpose of acquiring or leasing water or water rights without first obtaining a review and recommendations regarding the expenditure from the Great Salt Lake Trust Council created in accordance with Section 65A-16-301.
(b) The Great Salt Lake Trust Council shall review an expenditure described in Subsection (3)(a) and may make a favorable recommendation if the Great Salt Lake Trust Council finds that the expenditure is consistent with:
(i) the strategic plan; and
(ii) activities of the water trust created in Title 65A, Chapter 16, Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Program.
(4)
(a) A change application for a water right acquired or leased under Subsection (2)(f) for use on sovereign lands in the Great Salt Lake shall be administered in accordance with Section 73-3-30.
(b) The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Food regarding terms and conditions for leasing agricultural water for the Great Salt Lake.
(5) In fulfilling the duties under this chapter, the commissioner shall consult and coordinate, as necessary, with:
(a) divisions within the department;
(b) the Department of Agriculture and Food;
(c) the Department of Environmental Quality;
(d) other applicable state agencies;
(e) political subdivisions of the state;
(f) federal agencies;
(g) elected officials; and
(h) local tribal officials.
Amended by Chapter 317, 2026 General Session
