Utah is a desert state. Climate and weather go in cycles. Houses consume more water than sagebrush. Asphalt doesn’t grow food, fiber or fodder.
For decades, Utah leaders have promoted economic development. That need is long gone. We have Silicon Slopes, the inland port, corporate offices and national headquarters for many companies. And, due to in-migration, a housing shortage: Utah population has grown by 8.4% in 10 years. Based on the 2020 census, nearly 40% of Utah residents are born outside Utah. We are hitting the limits of growth our desert state can sustain.
Some say too much water is consumed by farming. But where do we get our food? It takes cattle, land and water. Can we get it all out of state? What about the environmental cost of hauling all that food?
It’s time we stop promoting and supporting — with Utah taxes — economic growth. We don’t need more businesses moving in. Utah’s Department of Natural Resources reports that each Utahn uses 242 gallons of water per day. In contrast, sagebrush needs only what nature provides.
Our leaders need to stop promoting Utah to businesses, stop encouraging urban growth and say no to land developers.
Steven Jones
Nephi