Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox appointed Hannah Freeze as Great Salt Lake commissioner on July 22, 2026, naming her successor to Brian Steed. Freeze, who most recently served as the Great Salt Lake deputy commissioner, will oversee the strategic coordination of agencies and stakeholders to protect the lake's health.
Extensive Conservation Background
Freeze brings more than 15 years of experience in conservation work to the position. Before her appointment to the commission, she worked at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, where she established and oversaw several conservation programs, including the Agricultural Water Optimization Program.
Agricultural Water Optimization Expertise
During her tenure at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Freeze served as a Program Manager for the Agricultural Water Optimization Program. In that role, she led efforts to optimize agricultural water use through strategic planning, legislative implementation, and the introduction of new irrigation technologies. She also managed the department's Agricultural Voluntary Incentives Program, which assisted producers with nutrient management.
Strategic Management Mandate
The appointment follows the 2023 legislative creation of the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner via HB 491. The office is tasked with developing and maintaining a strategic plan that balances ecological, economic, and societal interests. A strategic plan for the lake was released on Jan. 15, 2024, to serve as a roadmap for short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions.
Balancing Competing Interests
The strategic plan requires a holistic approach to balance diverse interests, including human health, quality of life, a healthy ecosystem, and economic development. Key objectives include coordinating agency efforts, utilizing science-based data, and conserving water across municipal, industrial, and agricultural sectors to ensure a sustainable water supply for the lake.
Water Optimization Initiatives
The Great Salt Lake's water management is closely tied to agricultural practices. The Agricultural Water Optimization Program, which Freeze helped oversee, aims to help producers optimize water use to create resiliency in Utah. The program provides cost-sharing for various projects, including up to 75% for measurement, telemetry, and reporting projects, and 50% for other water optimization efforts.
Legislative Funding and Research
The Utah Legislature has taken significant steps to fund these efforts. In 2023, SB 277 appropriated $200 million for agricultural optimization and created a new committee within the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. This follows the work of the Agricultural Water Optimization Task Force, which was formed in 2018 to identify critical issues facing the state's long-term water supply.
A Collaborative Future
In her new role, Freeze stated her commitment to maintaining strong relationships with water users, agricultural producers, and both state and federal agencies. Governor Cox noted that Freeze has earned the trust of these stakeholders and possesses the ability to bring people together for the lake's protection.
