Why Utah bought one of its biggest polluters — and what it means for the Great Salt Lake
Officials with Forestry, Fire and State Lands confirm they will shut down US Magnesium for the benefit of the Great Salt Lake.
(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) US Magnesium near Skull Valley seen on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
Leia Larsen is a sixth generation Utahn and a water and land use reporter reporter for The Salt Lake Tribune. She has covered environment, energy and political issues throughout the West. When she’s not chasing the news, Leia can be found exploring the Wasatch Mountains, sleeping in the desert or rooting around her garden.