Snake Valley "Water Grab" Worries Lawmakers

None by KCPW

(KCPW News)The sentiment on Utah's Capitol Hill is clear when it comes to Nevada's efforts to draw water from beneath Utah's Snake Valley to slake the thirst in Las Vegas.

"This is predatory water practices - water grabbing," says Representative Richard Wheeler. "I don't think there's anybody who's visited there that doesn't think this is a terrible idea."

Nevertheless, Wheeler is sponsoring a resolution that merely asks the Governor to look carefully at the science of the deal and block it if there's any chance it will leave the Snake Valley thirsty. Wheeler and his colleagues seem convinced the scientists will ultimately prove the proposal will hurt Utah and doom the deal. Utah Department of Natural Resources Director Mike Styler says the resolution doesn't change a thing when it comes to his negotiation with Nevada.

"The ask us to protect Utah water rights and that's what we're already doing," says Styler. "Nevada is trying to develop it's own water and that's proper. Where we draw the line is when that draw down affects Utah water."

Though lawmakers may prefer to call off the discussion entirely, Styler says Utah must negotiate with Nevada because the underground aquifer in Snake Valley touches both states. If Utah walks away from the table, that water will be at risk.

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