10 signatures reached
To: Governor Gary R. Herbert
Save the Goshute Tribes Water from Vegas!
We petition Utah Governor Gary Herbert NOT to sign the 2009 agreement with Nevada concerning pumping Snake Valley. We ask that he remain committed to helping the Goshute Tribe with water-related issues by fighting the state of Nevada through litigation in order to stop the Southern Nevada Water Authority's (SNWA) proposed pumping of Spring Valley, Snake Valley, Deep Creek Valley and the 2 other associated valleys on the Utah-Nevada border.
Why is this important?
The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) wants to tap into the groundwater held sacred by the Goshute tribe that sustains their existence. The purpose? To provide for future development of the Vegas Strip. The plan would be to pump billions of gallons which could potentially drain the aquifer under their reservation. Such would turn their already diminished lands into a veritable desert. Though government officials claim these beliefs unfounded, hydrologist Tom Meyers admits that pumping may have a quicker impact than expected. The proposed pumping would include 5 valleys along the Utah-Nevada border, all of which are connected. While effects are expected to be felt in the far distant future (200 yrs) it is believed that too little research has been conducted to substantiate such claims. The reality is that no one knows what effects pumping the aquifer will have, but losing only a few feet of groundwater could devastate the regions inhabitants, wildlife and environment. If the shrinking Colorado River wasn't enough for the Vegas tourism industry, neither will be the Goshute's sacred groundwater. It's time to stand up for what's right and stop frivolous water expenditures.