The Voice of Local Utah

Podcast

Utah’s Air Policy and why won’t our leaders do anything about industrial pollution

More people die and end up in emergency rooms in Utah on red air days than any other day. Our poor air quality is probably the most serious environmental problem we face in Utah and very little is being done about all of the industrial polluters along the Wasatch Front. Why is this? In this…

by

Richard Markosian

|

Utah's air policy industrial poluters
Utah’s industrial poluters

More people die and end up in emergency rooms in Utah on red air days than any other day. Our poor air quality is probably the most serious environmental problem we face in Utah and very little is being done about all of the industrial polluters along the Wasatch Front.

Why is this?

In this wide-ranging episode, we speak to Marty Gray a compliance manager for the Division of Air Quality for the State of Utah. We ask Marty all of the most difficult questions regarding clean-air policy mainly: why don’t we do something meaningful about our huge numbers of industrial polluters?

MagCorp emits 8 million pounds of chlorine gas into our airshed. Why is this okay? Why instead does our State Legislature and Governor believe that all of the focus should be on motorists and folks who burn logs to heat their homes? We delve into the idea of moving the refineries and Kennecott smelter out of our bowl-shaped valley. And ask why the current clean air policy seems to adversely affect the poor (by making vehicle emission standards difficult to attain for the poor) and favor the rich, by doing little to nothing about our smelters, refineries and heavy industrial polluters.

MORE STORIES ON AIR POLLUTION IN UTAH
Utah Air Quality by the Numbers – Third Most Toxic State in the Nation
A Few Practical Ideas On Reducing Car Idling
Salt Lake Air Cleaning Solutions
Would The New Green Deal work for Salt Lake City, Utah? The Mayor Jackie Biskupski Thinks So.

,
, , , ,

Richard Markosian

I am a story teller and journalist. I have a passion for farmers, local craftspeople, and folks who aspire to create, build and grow their business in the local marketplace. Why local? By supporting locally-owned businesses we create more opportunity for entrepreneurs, and we claim our sovereignty to shape our communities how we want to see them. I aspire to build Utah Stories Magazine into a household Utah name, and assist Utah businesses and makers with marketing. On the journalism side of things my passion is investigative journalism that offers true insight into issues. I believe strongly in the forth estate: strong, meaningful, insightful journalism is essential to a free market Democracy.

Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Join Utah Stories Newsletter

Related Articles


  • Utah Stories

    Birdy’s Moab: A Finer Diner Reinvented

    What happens when Moab restaurateurs Erin and Ryan Bird turn a closed Denny’s into a trendy dining spot? The answer is Birdy’s: a “finer diner” serving up elevated comfort food in a chic, hand-crafted space. From hand-painted tiles to locally sourced ingredients, every detail is designed to delight. Curious about their unique menu and the creative process behind this transformation? Discover how Birdy’s is shaking up Moab’s dining scene!

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • Utah Stories

    Transforming Lives: The Power of Breast Cancer Recovery

    Few challenges are as devastating as a cancer diagnosis—but what if healing meant more than just beating the disease? Discover how Dr. Renato Saltz is transforming the lives of breast cancer survivors with a groundbreaking approach that goes beyond surgery. Inspired by a powerful retreat experience, he co-founded the Image Reborn Foundation, offering life-changing, no-cost retreats to help women reclaim their lives.

    From soul-healing yoga to bonding with others who truly understand, these retreats are giving survivors like Angie and Meera the emotional strength to thrive again. With over 4,000 lives touched, this movement is redefining recovery!


  • Utah Stories

    Crafting a Plumbing Legacy: Four Decades of Mastery in the Heart of Sugar House

    Tucked away in the heart of Sugar House is a plumbing business with a legacy that spans over four decades. What began as a one-man operation has transformed into a trusted local institution, known for its unparalleled craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to the community. But with the founders eyeing retirement, the torch is ready to be passed. Who will be next to carry on the tradition of turning pipes and repairs into an art form? The future of plumbing in Salt Lake City is about to enter an exciting new chapter.

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.


  • Independent News

    “We’re Criminalizing Homelessness”: Utah’s Growing Crisis and the Need for Collaboration

    In the heart of Salt Lake City, where the LDS Church sends aid to every corner of the globe, a growing humanitarian disaster is unfolding just blocks away.
    Homeless encampments are dismantled, lives disrupted, and still, there’s no lasting solution in sight.
    So why can’t Utah’s political leaders get it right?
    Homeless advocate Robin Pendergrast pulls back the curtain on the state’s broken system, revealing why temporary fixes like pods and camps are dismantled, and how grassroots efforts are the only thing keeping hope alive.

    “Instead of helping, we’re tearing down camps, bulldozing lives, and offering no place for these people to go,” Pendergrast says.
    Read on to find out why Utah’s war on homelessness is making things worse, and what needs to happen next.

    To access this post, you must purchase Full Access Membership.