Snake Valley Water Negotiations Under Scrutiny

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The Utah Legislature is now inserting itself into negotiations with Nevada over groundwater in Snake Valley. A House panel today approved an advisory committee of lawmakers and county officials to oversee negotiations.

Utah Department of Natural Resources Director Mike Styler heads the state's negotiating team and has tried for months to convince lawmakers and locals that he will looking after their water rights. Now he says he'll be negotiating with one hand tied behind his back. Styler had hoped to finalize an agreement within a year, but says the additional layer of input could slow negotiations further.

Skeptical lawmakers and farmers in the arid Snake Valley say they want scientific proof that sharing water with Nevada will not affect their land.

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