I learned a new word when I moved to Salt Lake- Inversion.
I scoffed and said, “It can’t be THAT bad!” After all, I grew up in Southern California and Phoenix; I know what dirty air is like. Then it got cold up here in Salt Lake, and the mountains began to disappear behind a thick toxic cloud, and the skyscrapers that I could see in the summer from my downtown apartment (skyscrapers across the street!) also vanished behind air so think I can chew it.
Just a few weeks ago over 100 health care professionals in Utah signed a letter in which they stated that air pollution levels are causing a public healthcare emergency. They asked that action be taken to address air pollution. The letter was delivered to Governor Herbert, or as I shall now call him Dirty Herbie, who said he disagreed with the health care professionals.
Utah- Smog Elevated
Then the EPA reported that cities in Utah had the worst air pollution in the nation.
As of today, it’s not much better. Four cities are ranked at “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” and Logan, UT is “Unhealthy” for everyone.
Today I went to my first rally since moving to Salt Lake in the summer. I walked up State Street to the Capitol and joined a crowd of people, many wearing gas masks, to bring attention to the worsening air pollution in this state.
Over 8,000 signatures were collected but when we went into the Governor’s office, we were told he was gone. Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell was there but he refused to see us.
Those of us in the waiting room couldn’t help but notice that 2 of the 4 portraits adorning the office walls depicted scenes of mining and refining. Telling indeed.
If you want to do something, call or send an email. Be heard!
Call: Governor’s office: 801-538-1000
Email: Ally Isom, Deputy Chief of Staff aisom@utah.gov, or call her: 801.538.1503
Sign the MoveOn petition here.
I’m so baffled by the inability of government to see how they can play any kind of role in this problem. Too concerned at serving big business at the expense of our health.
@Mere–just wait…the tar sands harvesting currently moving forward in Utah is going to make things *way* worse before they get anywhere near being better. Guess where all those hydrocarbons are going to be processed?–the refinery in northwest Salt Lake. It’s not going to help the current air quality public health crisis. There is a lot more to be said about the tar sands problem.