SALT LAKE CITY — Governor Spencer Cox has named Hannah Freeze as the next Great Salt Lake Commissioner, an increasingly important position that carries out policies designed to save the lake.
Freeze, who recently served as the deputy commissioner, takes over immediately. She previously oversaw the state's agriculture water optimization program for Utah's Department of Agriculture & Food, which offers funding and persuades farmers and ranchers — the state's largest water users — to switch to newer technologies that grow crops with less water.
"Hannah understands that protecting the Great Salt Lake requires cooperation from people across the basin," Gov. Cox said in a statement announcing her appointment. "She has earned the trust of agricultural producers, water users, conservation leaders and our state and federal partners. Her experience, practical approach and ability to bring people together will be invaluable as Utah continues this important work."
Freeze's appointment was supported by Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, who were consulted on the hiring.
"Protecting the Great Salt Lake takes collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to Utah's future, and Hannah understands that lasting conservation happens through partnership," Speaker Schultz said in a statement. "I look forward to working with her as we continue bringing people together to protect and preserve the Great Salt Lake for generations to come."
Democrats on Utah's Capitol Hill also expressed support for Freeze.
"We have great confidence in Commissioner Freeze’s understanding of the issues facing the Great Salt Lake and her ability to get the job done. We also appreciate the strong foundation built by former Commissioner Brian Steed. Protecting the Great Salt Lake will require continued legislative commitment to provide the resources and support the commissioner deserves and that the Great Salt Lake needs," said Rep. Doug Owens, D-Millcreek, who runs Great Salt Lake legislation.
Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, said she would be watching the confirmation process closely.
"Protecting and preserving the Great Salt Lake remains the top priority for the Utah Senate Democrats. The decisions made about the Lake affect every single Utahn, with many of the earliest and most significant impacts felt by communities we represent in Salt Lake County. This role requires someone who understands the stakes and will put the interests of Utahns first. We take the Senate's constitutional responsibility to confirm gubernatorial appointments seriously and look forward to hearing from the public and learning more about Ms. Freeze," she said in a statement.
Senate President J. Stuart Adams expressed confidence Freeze would be confirmed.
"The Great Salt Lake touches every part of Utah's future, from our economy and our quality of life to the opportunities we leave the next generation," he said in a statement. "The work ahead requires leaders who can think beyond the next season. Hannah has consistently demonstrated the sound judgment, foresight and collaboration this responsibility demands. I appreciate her willingness to continue serving the people of Utah in this important role."
Freeze takes over from Brian Steed, who left the position for a leadership role at Utah State University. As Great Salt Lake Commissioner, she works to secure water for the lake and enforces policies to protect it. Under Utah law, she has the power to override other governmental decisions that could threaten the lake.
The Great Salt Lake has dropped to historic lows in recent years, impacted by water diversions, drought and impacts from a changing climate. The shrinking lake presents and ecological catastrophe for the state in the form of reduced snowpack that impacts drinking water supplies, toxic dust storms (arsenic and other toxic minerals are naturally occurring in the lake bed) and other harms to public health and wildlife, not to mention Utah's economy.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Utah and the Great Salt Lake," Freeze said in a statement Wednesday released by the governor's office. "This work depends on strong relationships with water users, agricultural producers, state and federal agencies and others across the basin. I look forward to continuing those partnerships in this new role."
This article is published through the Great Salt Lake Collaborative, a solutions journalism initiative that partners news, education and media organizations to help inform people about the plight of the Great Salt Lake—and what can be done to make a difference before it is too late. Read all of our stories at greatsaltlakenews.org.
