Professor of Political Science
University of Utah
Bio
Professor McCool’s research focuses on water resources, Indian voting and water rights, and public lands policy. His recent books include: River Republic: The Fall and Rise of America’s Rivers (Columbia University Press 2012); The Most Fundamental Right: Contrasting Perspectives on the Voting Rights Act (Indiana University Press 2012, edited); Native Vote: American Indians, the Voting Rights Act, and Indian Voting (Cambridge University Press 2007, co-authored); and Native Waters: Contemporary Indian Water Settlements and the Second Treaty Era (University of Arizona Press 2002). He has served as an expert witness in seven Voting Rights Act cases.
Panelist: Panel on Proposed Bear River Water Development
3:35-4:50pm Thursday, May 12th
Title: Difficult Choices: Lakes and Clean Air, or More Water Projects
Abstract: There is plenty of water in northern Utah for wise, judicious use. There is not enough water for wasteful use. So, the question is not: Are we running out of water? Rather, we must ask ourselves how we can meet the following three goals:
1. Meet our actual water needs with an efficient and innovative water management strategy.
2. Protect the environment that is the foundation for our livelihood and our quality of life.
3. Meet the first two goals with the smallest impact on the taxpayer. When we waste water, we waste our taxes.