Energy & Natural Resources
The Gardner Institute provides decision support to state policymakers on a variety of energy and natural resources topics. Research in this area focuses on water, energy, public lands, and quality growth. The institute currently convenes the Great Salt Lake Strike Team and has previously convened the Utah Energy Strike Team and Energy Advisory Council.
2024 Great Salt Lake Policy Summary: Water Distribution and Shepherding
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluated the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake.
2024 Great Salt Lake Policy Summary: Optimize Water Pricing
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluated the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake.
2024 Great Salt Lake Policy Summary: Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluated the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake.
2024 Great Salt Lake Policy Summary: Leasing Water from Agriculture Producers
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluates the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake.
2024 Great Salt Lake Policy Summary: Lake Partitioning and Other Playa Modifications
The Great Salt Lake Strike Team analyzed ten policy options and created summaries for each. The strike team does not endorse individual policies but rather evaluates the most-discussed options to address Great Salt Lake.
Great Salt Lake Data and Insights Summary: A Synthesized Resource Document for the 2024 General Legislative Session
In 2023, Great Salt Lake rose from the record-low elevation reached in 2022, aided by record-high winter snowfall and the adaptive management berm. Economic activity, public health, and the lake's ecosystems are adversely impacted by low water levels. This summary synthesizes essential data and insights so decision-makers have the information they need to improve water management, increase water deliveries to the lake, mitigate adverse impacts, and recover the lake to a healthy range.
Data Compendium Utah Strategic Energy Framework
H.B. 426, passed in the 2023 General Legislative Session, requires the development of a strategic plan to achieve the state’s energy policy of adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources. The Utah Energy Strike Team prepared the Utah Strategic Energy Framework under the leadership and direction of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and the Utah Department of Natural Resource
Utah Strategic Energy Framework
H.B. 426, passed in the 2023 General Legislative Session, requires the development of a strategic plan to achieve the state’s energy policy of adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable, and clean energy resources. The Utah Energy Strike Team prepared this Utah Strategic Energy Framework under the leadership and direction of the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) and the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
Policy Brief: Utah’s Energy Industry
Heading into 2022, energy experts debated the speed and timing of a return to “normal” energy demand following a tumultuous 2020–2021 as the world responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February Newsmaker Breakfast: Great Salt Lake Policy Assessment Slides
Presented by the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, a Collaboration of Utah's Research Universities and State Agencies
