LOGAN, Utah — The man tasked by Utah political leaders with saving the Great Salt Lake is stepping away from his job.
FOX 13 News has confirmed Brian Steed will leave his role as Great Salt Lake Commissioner to work as Utah State University's vice-president of government affairs. The university confirmed the role change on Friday.
"I am incredibly honored to step into this new role at Utah State University. As a powerhouse of research and education, USU plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of leadership and informing decisions through sound science. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation already in place to strengthen our partnerships across the state and nation," Steed said in a statement to FOX 13 News released through Utah's Department of Natural Resources, which oversees the Great Salt Lake Commissioner's Office.
"While I am excited for this new chapter, my commitment to the Great Salt Lake and the ongoing efforts to preserve it remains a primary focus. I will continue to serve as the Great Salt Lake Commissioner until July 1. It has been an honor to lead these efforts. The health of the lake is a top priority for Utah’s future, and I am proud of the progress we have made and the many partners who are now working together to protect this incredible resource."
Steed stepped into the role, appointed by Governor Spencer Cox, with the mandate to reverse the lake's declines and prevent an ecological catastrophe in Utah. He has worked in a largely political role, pushing legislation that would help the lake while killing bills that would harm the lake. He also has worked to secure money and water for the lake and navigated competing interests from agriculture, industry and environmentalism to lawmakers who may not view the lake as a top priority.
Commissioner Joel Ferry, who heads the Utah Department of Natural Resources, praised Steed and the work he has done.
"Brian has been a tireless champion for Utah’s natural resources, especially in his work as the Great Salt Lake Commissioner. His ability to navigate complex challenges while bringing people together has been key to making the lake a top state priority. We are grateful he is staying on through July 1 to ensure a smooth transition for this critical work," Commissioner Ferry said. "
"On behalf of the Department of Natural Resources, I thank Brian for his service and wish him the very best. I have no doubt he will continue to do great things."
Dr. Ben Abbott, who heads "Grow the Flow," said when the Great Salt Lake Commissioner position was created, he was skeptical it would accomplish anything.
"Brian proved me wrong a thousand times. Having someone responsible to keep the lake at the center of our water policy has made all the difference. Brian proved that you can push the envelope while building trust. During his tenure, he set a target lake level, developed a plan to get there, and then advocated to accelerate — going from a thirty year plan to an eight year plan," he told FOX 13 News. "He was sometimes called the ghost of Great Salt Lake, and I'm not sure whether that was because the stress gave him so many gray hairs or so many sleepless nights. I believe we will be the first community anywhere in the world to restore their saline lake, and I believe that is partly due to Brian Steed's leadership and service."
Lynn de Freitas, the head of the environmental group FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake, said Steed brought together political, academic and business communities. She was watching who would replace him.
"During his service, he leveraged effective relationships and tools that translated into timely measures on behalf of the Lake. Hopefully, his successor will also effectively carry the mantle of GSL and its future. He will be missed," she said in a text message.
On Utah's Capitol Hill, the House Speaker and Senate President said they were sad to see Steed depart.
"He’s worked to bring people together, whether it's local governments, agriculture, the average citizen, he worked to bring people together to say here’s where our real problems are here’s what we can do to find successes. We’re certainly going to miss him and wish him well in his new role," Speaker Schultz, R-Hooper, said.
Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and Speaker Schultz will have a role in choosing who replaces Steed.
"We need to find someone else that can help us with the Great Salt Lake a number one priority and we’re going to keep it there," the Senate President said.
