Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Utah's Air Quality Remains an Issue to Address



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?


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