Gov. Cox Lauds Utah's Landscapes, Higher Ed at Janet Quinney Lawson Institute Report Release Event

Salt Lake City — Utah State University’s Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air unveiled its 2024 Report to the Governor and Legislature at a standing-room-only event on Tuesday.

The event brought together a mix of stakeholders from Utah’s universities, the state legislature, the private sector and public agencies.

“The institute was founded to connect policymakers with the best research available on Utah’s land, water and air,” said Brian Steed, executive director of the institute. “The conversations and networking at today’s event prove we are fulfilling that mission. This collaboration is crucial as we face complex challenges like those outlined in the report.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox addressed the audience, emphasizing the connection between natural resource conservation and Utahns’ quality of life.

“We cannot forget that it’s so much more than [economic benefits]; it’s something about the connection between our environment, between the outside world and mankind, that makes us human,” Cox said.

The report features summaries of current land, water and air concerns in Utah and represents a collective effort by Utah State University researchers, community leaders and state agency partners.

“One of the reasons the institute punches well above its weight is the breadth and depth of USU’s faculty researchers,” said Anna McEntire, managing director of the institute.

McEntire moderated a panel featuring some of the report’s 50 contributing authors:

• Linda Nagel of the Quinney College of Natural Resources.
• Beth Neilson of the Logan River Observatory.
• Mirella Ortiz of the USU’s Department of Plants, Soils and Climate.
• David Stoner of USU’s Department of Wildland Resources.

USU brings robust expertise to these issues, McEntire said, with more than 150 faculty actively engaged in land, water and air research.

"We're in a much better place than we have been, thanks to a broader array of policy tools and conservation efforts,” Steed said. “I think we can take a lot of pride in that because that has taken intentional choices on behalf of policymakers, as well as those of us that live here."

Steed highlighted notable achievements in the state, including improvements in aspects of Utah’s air quality despite a growing population and increased energy production, as well as strides in water conservation. He also emphasized the work ahead, outlining strategies to address emerging issues such as planning for a future with less snow and managing invasive species across the state.

New this year, the report introduces a metrics chapter, highlighting key public datasets on Utah’s natural resources. Topics range from mining extraction to harmful algae blooms, offering insights across geographic and political boundaries.

Stephanie Frohman, associate director of the institute, noted the importance of such events in fostering collaboration.

“The mix of attendees from academia, private industry, and government reflects our commitment to inclusive dialogue,” Frohman said.

The Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air was established in 2021 through a resolution by the Utah Legislature that voiced support for the institute, outlined its role and purpose, and mandated certain responsibilities. The 2024 Report to the Governor and Legislature on Utah’s Land, Water, and Air helps fulfill part of that mandate.

The full 2024 report is published online and available to the public at ilwa.usu.edu.