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?

Is Utah's Stance of Green Energy Becoming More Clear

The percentage and source of energy supply and use for the United States

...Or is it, as the State sits in crosshairs of debate?

2nd installment of a continuing series

(refer to post on January 24, 2012 post)

An article posted on the The New York Times online edition a few days ago titled "Nuclear Power vs. Natural Gas" (http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/natural-gas-vs-nuclear-power/#more-132211) presented a debate whose focus lands close to "home" for Utahns. The state sits in the crosshairs of a debate while it forges ahead on its energy (and ultimately its economic) strategy for the next ten years.

Last month, Blue Castle Holdings -- the company behind developing a nuclear power plant for the Green River area of northeast Utah -- was granted the water rights for the project by the Utah State Engineer's office. It was another key step towards seeing the project to fruition. The implications for Utah are significant. For a state whose future energy demands are rising and whose water supplies are declining, a nuclear generation plant seems an ill-fit for this intermountain state. Numerous environmental organizations share this concern.

An almost iconic image of a nuclear power plant: its cooling towers

Utah is also known for rich natural gas deposits, a resource state officials endorse as an important bridge in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as the sun and wind.  As a result, a number of existing coal-fired electric generation plants are being converted to natural gas-fired in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the air. With coal as present primary fuel source in Utah (as is nationally), and natural gas

A natural gas plant

Engineer, and director of Utah State University's Energy Dynamics Laboratory, Jeff Muhs in a conversation with me last month added that the state is really interested in cleaner transportation within the state, namely by pushing more compressed natural gas conversions for vehicles. This, he says, would lower carbon emissions and clean up the air by reducing particulate pollutants from petroleum driven vehicles.

A demonstration of refilling a natural gas vehicle's tank

For Utah, the energy landscape is purposely meant to be a balance of many energy sources -- from existing fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, to renewable sources such as solar photovoltaic and wind. This balance is endorsed by Utah's Governor Gary Herbert, and by Utah's Office of Energy Development, a department created in 2011 to guide the energy industry wisely as it slowly transitions to cleaner, more sustainable sources. This approach is seemingly in sync with President Obama and his administration as well.

Interesting, and entertaining, with the New York Times article are the reader comments posted after that swing tit for tat blows in efforts to convince an audience. Frankly, it is beyond me why no one mentions the merits of passive solar techniques, as an example, or fails to illuminate the true economics behinds solar photovoltaic (e.g., innovations in the technology are moving so fast that return on investment is presently near impossible).

Utah Governor Gary Herbert holding a copy of the state's 10-year Strategic Plan for Energy Development

As Governor Herbert's "sold-out" Energy Summit (http://event.registerat.com/oed12/) is set to take place on Wednesday, February 15, with speakers and discussion panelists representing all energy industries, an entertaining and interesting intellectual melee may be witnessed by about 1000 registrants right here in Utah. Governor Herbert has made it clear the importance of energy for the State's health and economy (http://blog.governor.utah.gov/2011/11/gearing-up-energy-summit/).

Salt Lake City and Utah in recent years have received a lot of attention for how it manages and balances its economic growth [see below] -- energy among those factors. I am hopeful a smart energy development model for the nation will emerge from here.


Some links:
http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/best-cities-2010-salt-lake-city-utah.html
http://www.wannanetwork.com/2010/10/18/forbes-utah-best-place-for-business/
http://business.utah.gov/whyutah/accolades/

There is Just Something About Polynesian Architecture...

...that inspires me. Pictured above is an idea for home, albeit perhaps one sited in locales many of us could not afford (such as in Hawaii, or in the maritime islands of Polynesia). That is not important at this moment. Despite any challenge, the attraction I have for this architecture is one that weds a number of elements that speak toward a philosophy called Organic Architecture. Something also very appealing is that the timeless "style" could fit in any number of eras, lifestyles, and specific locations. The particulars only need change to match the precise climate, precise local materials available, or precise program elements requested of the homeowner.

Some of my own architectural iconic heroes -- Frank Lloyd Wright, E. Fay Jones, and William Bernoudy -- could have easily inspired this design. The visible features include a hip-roofed (note the Asian-influenced corners at the eave line), broad overhangs, and an apparent stepping down on a site (presumably with a vista over and behind the photographer's right shoulder). In lieu of a singular vertical-oriented structure, this design provides a complex of functions spread horizontally we can only surmise, all situated around an outdoor area. Likely a guest house, or a cabana with outdoor living areas, are just some of the functions. The roof designs are hipped to provide gable faces on all four sides. This, combined with the overhangs, gives the structures a sense of repose.

In another Balinese design (pictured above), we see an important principle in Organic Architecture: the openness to the outdoors. Imagine dining here. Glass in lieu of solid wall and exterior materials that continue to the interior (note the columns of stone on both sides of the glass) are two detail methods that work for this idea. Below is an idea that includes a two-story main structure, but note the garden with its variety of elements, both natural and man-made. Verdant foliage, potted plants, an irregularly-shaped water feature or pool -- all a part of the outdoor space that seems to integrate with its buildings.

Expressing the space by use of material and structure is another principle.

Making the home a sacred place is an important idea we seldom forget for our own homes. I have yet to meet a builder who fully understands this idea. What does home mean to you? Hopefully it is more than just a place to park your stuff.   In this case the bedroom is given special attention. In Bali, the link to the outdoors is essential -- also, some protection from unwanted insects. The screened chamber may be closed while sleeping. The ceiling seems to flow past the entry area into the bedroom (note the glazing and/or screening at the ceiling line), much to the effect of extending an interior material to the outside, or an exterior stone into the interior.

The beauty of the Balinese architecture is one that allows for flexible and individualized arrangements and forms, but soulfully speaks to the use of natural materials and the celebration of nature and environment. Sustainability is more than sticks and stones or low carbon footprints, it also is spirit and harmony with our own hearts and mind. If those are not satisfied, how could anyone anticipate living happily in their habitat?