Great Salt Lake report highlights social science research

Utah State University researchers have released the 2026 Report on the State of Great Salt Lake Social Science, a first review of social science research on the lake’s social, cultural, political, and economic issues.

• The report examines how Great Salt Lake desiccation affects air quality, public health, the economy, and conditions for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games in Utah.
• The authors say the Utah legislature has already made policy changes and financial contributions, and they highlight the proposed Stratos data center project as another development drawing attention to the lake.
• The Great Salt Lake Social Sciences Network was established in 2025 and is hosted by Utah State University’s Community and Natural Resources Institute; it includes 34 members from 11 universities and institutions.