Four years ago, a press release from the Environmental
Protection Agency regarding Utah's air quality violations was -- and remains -- indicative that the air quality in Utah
has been a continuous problem. This well-structured press release was, however,
written with some conscious and strategic thinking, and is a surprise given the
source of the media release.
The last paragraph presented an option for anyone interested
in the topic to submit comments within 30 days:
"In addition, for the first time EPA is opening a 30-day public
comment period on the recommended nonattainment designations. All interested
parties are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to submit comments."
Though it might be a case that the comment request was not really the
important part of the release, it does lead one to wonder if there is more
behind it's placement at the article's end. Did the EPA wish not to receive
comments?
Utah's air quality problem persists to today. It has been acknowledged
by staff members from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and
the Office of Energy Development (OED) that air quality is primary issue for
the state. It is of little wonder. The online Deseret News published an article
recently
focusing on a study that links air pollution to increased health matters, such
as strokes, heart disease, and cognitive degeneration.
The article continues to state that the EPA's "safe" levels
are still a concern.
For Utah legislation this
year, H.B. 70 would create an Air Quality Task Force that would be responsible
for reviewing efforts to improve air quality in Utah
and make recommendations. This Bill does appear to be on route for passing
Senate approval.
For Utah, the major cause of air pollution and air-borne particulate
matter rests with vehicular traffic. Combine that particulate release with
inversion weather days, and it is a recipe for potential health problems. The University of Utah conducted a study on air inversions [also see this link] in 2011. Both
DEQ and OED staff acknowledge that the government is very interested in
furthering efforts to support compressed natural gas conversions for vehicles,
which supposedly burn cleaner than gasoline-powered equivalents.
Would it not be wondrous if the State could provide major incentives
for vehicle conversions from gasoline to CNG, or other fuel alternatives?