Message From The President

As Utah’s land-grant institution, Utah State University (USU) has deep responsibility for serving the needs of Utah. I have very recently assumed the role of president of Utah State University, and I take very seriously USU’s unique mission in solving Utah’s problems. In a time marked by significant uncertainty, understanding and preparing for changes over the next two, three, or five decades is a central challenge.

Issues such as population growth, demographic changes, the effects of climate change and the overall need for Utah to be resilient into the future are among the critical concerns that we at USU feel compelled to address. To ensure continued prosperity, it is imperative that we arm Utah with the most reliable data and insights to inform decisions related to land, water, and air.

USU remains committed to our mission of service to the state and its communities. Collaboration with state leadership—including Utah legislators, policymakers, and community stakeholders—is integral to our approach. We are dedicated not only to addressing the most pressing issues of today but also to adapting to the evolving needs of our communities

The Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air exemplifies our land-grant mission. Our diverse team of researchers, drawn from every college within USU and across our statewide campuses, is deeply engaged in addressing the challenges associated with land, water, and air in Utah. In this report, we are pleased to share insights from 36 of these researchers, whose work spans a wide range of topics, from wildfire risk mitigation to residential water efficiency, and from the intricacies of Great Salt Lake dust to Uinta Basin ozone levels. By providing this knowledge, we aim to equip policymakers with the information necessary for making informed decisions that impact all Utahns.

Research plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our land, water, and air. We seek your continued support for these vital efforts, with the hope of collaborating further to find innovative solutions and ensure a sustainable future for Utah.

Thank you for your dedication to Utah and its residents.