When we gather together as business leaders, a pattern emerges in nearly every conversation: Our state’s natural resources are fundamental to our economic future. They are direct drivers of our quality of life and are a shared responsibility for every Utahn.
Clean air, reliable water and accessible outdoor recreation make Utah not only a wonderful place to live but also an advantageous place to do business. Tech companies look at whether employees would relocate and stay, manufacturers need to know water availability decades in the future, and tourism operators look to snowpack levels and air quality predictions to prepare for the seasons ahead. Each of these issues impacts decisions at the highest level of business and has real economic consequences.
The need for the business community to unite with nonpartisan experts in the field who can provide science-based support on natural resource issues continues to grow. That is why this October, the Salt Lake Chamber formalized a partnership with the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air at Utah State University. This relationship is a result of sustained effort and collaboration. Over the past two years, the Institute has participated in Utah Rising leadership discussions, helped to draft policy priorities for the 2025 Public Policy Guide, co-chaired the Natural Resources Business Council and responded to “red telephone” inquiries on a range of natural resources topics such as air quality, seismic readiness, tiered water pricing and critical minerals extraction.
Through this partnership, the Salt Lake Chamber — along with the new Utah Chamber — and the Institute will provide the business community with education on metrics for land, water and air and how they relate to a healthy environment for business. Special topics may include federal natural resource policy changes and their impacts on Utah, clarifying the time scale of Utah’s water supply; connections between air quality, water and wildfire; and updates on energy investments in the state. We ensure that the data, science and analysis needed for sound decision-making are readily available to the leaders shaping Utah’s future.
When the world’s attention turns to Utah for the 2034 Olympic Games, the stakes of this partnership will be on full display. Visitors will directly experience our air quality, and the success of Olympic venues will depend on reliable snowpack. With the global spotlight on our state, we will showcase not only how we have responsibly managed our natural resources but also our dedication to maintaining them.
We are excited about this partnership and the role Utah’s business community will play in leading natural resource stewardship. By working together to protect and manage our air, water and land, we are investing in the long-term prosperity of our state. Because when Utah thrives environmentally, it thrives economically.