Utah lawmakers on Wednesday urged the state Department of Natural Resources to delay signing a deal with Nevada to split the Snake Valley's groundwater at least until an advisory council is appointed and considers the issue.

Last session the Utah Legislature voted to create such an advisory council, but so far neither former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. nor new Gov. Gary Herbert has appointed members. Legislators have no power to block the executive branch's proposed agreement with Nevada, but on Wednesday the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee passed a resolution asking for the delay.

Rep. Brad Winn, R-Ephraim, proposed the resolution and said a delay would not necessarily be lengthy because Herbert currently is inviting people to join the advisory council.

DNR Executive Director Mike Styler helped negotiate the proposed deal and on Wednesday repeated his assertion that it protects all existing water rights on the Utah side of the valley. DNR continues to take public comments through the end of the month, and Styler said a final draft of the agreement could be ready for Herbert's review by mid-October.

Snake Valley ranchers fear the agreement prepares Southern Nevada Water Authority to pipe enough water to Las Vegas to dry up the valley and endanger existing users. Millard County on Wednesday reiterated its opposition.

Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, voted against the resolution seeking a delay and cited sensitivity between the states concerning another water project that affects his region: a proposed Lake Powell pipeline to southwestern Utah.