Distinguished Professor of Law

University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law

Bio:

Robert W. Adler is a Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law, and the former Jefferson B. and Rita E. Fordham Dean. He teaches and writes in the areas of environmental law and water law. His books include Water Law: Concepts and Insights (Foundation Press 2017, with Craig and Hall); Modern Water Law: Private Property, Public Rights and Environmental Protection (Foundation Press, 2013, second edition 2018, with Craig and Hall); Restoring Colorado River Ecosystems: A Troubled Sense of Immensity (2007); Environmental Law: A Conceptual and Pragmatic Approach (with Driesen, 2007 and Driesen and Engel, second edition 2011, third edition 2016); and The Clean Water Act: Twenty Years Later (with Landman and Cameron, 1993). He has also written dozens of articles on various aspects of domestic and international environmental and water law and policy. Before coming to the College of Law in 1994, he practiced environmental law for 15 years at the Natural Resources Defense Council, Trustees for Alaska, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.

Title: Reflections on Comprehensive Protection of Great Salt Lake—A Quarter Century Later

Abstract: In 1999, I published a law review article urging comprehensive watershed protection for Great Salt Lake. That seed germinated slowly, and the Lake continues to struggle in the face of climate change, human diversions of natural water flows, and other factors. But thanks to FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake and others, we now have a Great Salt Lake Advisory Council, new legislation to restore water flows, and growing public interest in the Lake and its health. If used effectively, those tools show promise for Lake restoration and protection. I will offer some reflections on the future of Great Salt Lake, and what additional steps are needed to save it.