Utah Must Take Action to Save the Great Salt Lake, Suit Says (1)

Utah has failed to protect the Great Salt Lake from ecological collapse and that it’s on the brink of turning into a toxic dustbowl, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by environmental groups.

The lake—which has already shrunk by two-thirds—could poison the air around Salt Lake City, the groups allege. Scientists say that it will be gone in five years without substantial policy changes.

Arsenic, mercury, and lead would be exposed, causing respiratory illnesses, cancer, and thousands of excess deaths from air pollution. The state would lose billions of dollars in economic activity, and a vital ecosystem for migratory birds ...