Senate Confirms Brian Steed as Great Salt Lake Commissioner

The Utah State Senate on June 14 consented to the appointment of Brian Steed as the state's first Great Salt Lake Commissioner, following a favorable report from the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Confirmation Committee.

Senator Scott d Bridal (committee chair) reported the committee's favorable recommendation. Senator Sandal introduced the nomination on the floor, noting Steed’s resume and previous experience heading the Department of Natural Resources. "He comes with a great resume, long history of public service," Sandal said, and described the commission’s role to integrate lake interests with business, health and environment.

Senator Sandal moved that the Senate consent to the appointment. With no floor discussion, the Senate took a roll call and recorded 28 yeas, 0 nays and 1 absent; the presiding officer announced the consent and recognized Commissioner Steed and his family.

The appointment creates a new, statutory commission role intended to coordinate Great Salt Lake policy across environmental, health and economic domains.