Utah Moms for Clean Air

Hello Utah Moms for Clean Air!

We knew that this 45-day period of the legislative session would be busy. We promised in our last call to action that we would be supporting legislative to clean up both cars and coal. Today is your chance to support a clean air and efficient vehicle tax incentive that is being voted on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4 (9th in line for the vote) and we’re asking you to act TODAY!

House Bill 106, sponsored by Representative Roz McGee (D) of District 28 and Senator Greg Bell (R) of District 22 is called the Clean Air and Efficient Vehicle Tax Incentive. It will incentivize purchase and retrofit of clean-fuel vehicles and help reduce emissions by vehicles.

We are asking you to write (email) or call your representative to ask them to vote in favor of H.B. 106 in the upcoming vote on the bill. Time is of the essence, so contact them Monday, if at all possible. Go to the House’s website to find your Representative’s contact information. A combination of an email and a phone call will be most effective since time is so short.

The following information on H.B. 106 is provided by Utah Clean Energy:

This legislation would provide performance‑based, fuel and technology neutral incentives for efficient and clean vehicles. Consumers would receive a tax credit for the purchase of a new vehicle ($1,000) meeting air quality and fuel economy guidelines set by the US EPA, or conversion of a vehicle ($2,500) to run on clean fuel such as natural gas, propane and electricity. This tax credit would sunset on December 31, 2013.

Main Points

• Currently, Utah has a tax credit for up to half the incremental cost of an alternative fuel vehicle’s powertrain and fuel system. There are some problems with this statute, as it provides full incentives for used vehicles that have limited remaining useful life and associated benefits. Some of these used vehicles are no more efficient and no cleaner than today’s passenger cars. This bill closes this loophole and supports the cleanest and most efficient vehicles.
• This 2008 legislation seeks to improve the existing statute to provide incentives for new vehicles meeting the highest standards for fuel efficiency and air pollution. It is fuel and technology neutral.
• It proposes a $1,000 tax credit for vehicles that meet criteria for fuel efficiency and air pollution. The vehicles currently eligible for this credit include: Honda Civic GX (CNG), Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Mercury Mariner hybrid, Mazda hybrid Tribute, and Ford Escape hybrid. This list is may change as technology advances.
• It maintains the existing $2,500 tax credit for the conversion of vehicles to run on clean fuels through the installation of certified conversion equipment, providing an important incentive for cleaner natural gas conversions.
• It eliminates a requirement that owners of clean fuel vehicles annually purchase a clean special fuel tax certificate, which is not easily enforced and contributes little revenue to the State.

Important Point

• It is designed to let industry and the market decide the best technologies to meet air emission and fuel efficiency criteria, and streamlines the State’s administration of the credit.

What are the benefits to Utah and Utah’s Citizens?

• Help reduce reliance on foreign fuel and improve energy security. Proposed legislation would encourage the purchase of vehicles with an improved fuel economy of 41 to 44 percent, therefore reducing Utah’s reliance on foreign oil [1].
• Improve Utah’s air quality, benefiting our public health. Choosing a vehicle with the highest efficiency compared to an average economy car, can reduce of air pollutants such as NOx (by 71%), NMOG (by 89%), CO (by 50%), and HCHO (by 78%).[1]

[1] Source: Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality, 2007; NOx=Oxides of Nitrogen: Compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen; they combine with hydrocarbons in the sunlight to form smog; NMOG=Non-Methane Organic Compounds: Compounds containing carbon; they combine with NOx in the sunlight to form smog; CO=Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, odorless, poisonous gas; HCHO=Formaldehyde: A lung irritant and carcinogen

Thanks so much for all you do!

— Cherise, Dana, Cameron, Travis, Michelle, Pat, Deborah, Lori, and Jennifer
The Founders of Utah Moms for Clean Air

Utahns are lucky. Our state has an abundance of waste-free, carbon-free, renewable sources of energy. Yet, as our air gets dirtier and our climate hotter and drier, just 0.5% of our energy generation comes from renewable sources.

We can and must do better. As the Utah State Legislative Session begins this week we have a chance to do just that. This session, Sen. Scott McCoy (D-Salt Lake) is sponsoring a bill that sets a standard of 25% of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2025, while also promising renewable energy development in rural Utah. Twenty-six states already have similar standards, though none have ever been proposed in Utah.

Unfortunately, Rocky Mountain Power — the state’s largest electric utility — is pushing a competing bill that could stifle renewable energy development in Utah. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Curt Bramble (R-Provo), puts Rocky Mountain Power in the driver’s seat while giving the utility every opportunity and excuse to put the brakes on actually delivering renewable energy to Utahns.

Join us Wednesday for a citizen lobby day and press conference to support the “real McCoy” renewable energy standard and help us show the Legislature that Utahns want meaningful renewable energy legislation now.

What: “Real McCoy” Renewable Energy Citizen Lobby Day
and Press Conference
Where: Utah State Capitol Rotunda
When: Wednesday, January 30th
9:30am - 11:30am Citizen Lobbying
11:45am - 12:30pm Press Conference

S.B. 173 Renewable Energy Provisions:
Track online or Read the bill.

(more…)

Need some good news today? How about this from the Utah Department of Air Quality.

The Bear River Health Department has issued a “GREEN” air quality action day for Cache County.

A “GREEN” condition has been issued by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality for Weber, Davis, Salt Lake and Utah Counties. The “GREEN” condition means coal and wood burning stoves and/or fireplaces may be used, but please use them in a proper manner to reduce their air pollution emissions.

Today’s forecast calls for little change in pollution levels.

Air Quality Conditions are updated daily at 8:30 A.M. and 3:30 P.M.

The air may not be clean, but, thanks to those winds whipping through the valleys yesterday, it’s cleaner than it has been in the past few days.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued today’s alert in a new format.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued a “YELLOW “ air quality action day for Salt Lake, Davis &Weber Counties for Saturday, January 26, 2008. The “YELLOW” condition means people should voluntarily not use their wood and coal stoves or fireplaces. Please try to drive less by combining trips or by using mass transit.

A “GREEN” condition has been issued by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality for Cache & Utah Counties for Saturday, January 26, 2008. The “GREEN” condition means coal and wood burning stoves and/or fireplaces may be used, but please use them in a proper manner to reduce their air pollution emissions.

Today’s forecast calls for little change in pollution levels.

Air Quality Conditions are updated daily at 8:30 A.M. and 3:30 P.M.

What do you think? Is this format easier to understand? Sign up to receive email alerts, and let them know whether the alerts are working for you.

Day after Red Air Quality Day, you will see “no burn day” or “wood burning prohibited.” Burning wood contributes to air pollution. When and how you burn solid fuel does make a difference.

If you see that neighbors are burning solid fuel on Red Air Quality Day, you might remind them that such burning is prohibited. When your kind reminders don’t work, remember that you can report violations.

When we have a red Air Quality Alert day, you can report people you see burning in their solid residential fuel devices by calling 801-536-4000 and asking to file a complaint. If it is after hours or you prefer not to call, you can also use the web based complaint form.

The penalty for most residential solid fuel burning violations is $25 for the first violation and doubling each time thereafter until the maximum of $299 is reached. Inspectors from the Division of Air Quality have to actually witness the violation in order for a citation to be issued. You may file your complaints anonymously or using your name. If you have further questions, contact the Utah Division of Air Quality or call their general number 801-536-4000 and ask to speak to a compliance inspector.

The EPA found that turning off school bus engines while waiting produced less pollution than idling the engine. You may have read the story about a Sandy, Utah, 6th grader who started his own no idling campaign at his school.

Most people don’t understand that they can save money and energy by turning off their engines. You can help. First, you can turn off your own engine. Then, you can start your own campaign to educate those around you. Start Your Own No Idling Campaign. If a 6th grader can do it, surely you can, too.

We have created a friendly anti-idling postcard you can hand out when you meet people sitting in cars, buses or trucks with the engine idling. There is no reason to be confrontational. Just help the driver understand the facts by handing them a postcard.

• 50% OF AIR POLLUTION IN UTAH comes from vehicle exhaust
• Studies link air pollution from vehicles to increased rates of CANCER, HEART AND LUNG DISEASES
• CHILDREN ARE MORE VULNERABLE . . . their lungs are still developing and because they breathe more rapidly they inhale more pollution than adults
• Idling is expensive and hard on your engine. . . one hour of idling burns one gallon of gasoline and gets ZERO MILES PER GALLON

Help drivers understand that they can make a difference.

• More than 10 seconds of idling consumes more fuel than restarting your engine. . . TURN IT OFF
• Modern engines need less than 30 seconds of idling before driving on winter days. . . REDUCE WARM-UP IDLING
• Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the benefits of reduced idling. . . SPREAD THE WORD

Don’t stop there. Gather more information for Your Own No Idling Campaign. The Environmental Protection Agency and many states have created resources and models you can follow. These are a few of the best.

EPA’s National Idle-Reduction Campaign, part of their Clean School Bus USA Campaign - sample policy, Idle-Reduction Campaign Do-it-Yourself Kit, teacher’s guide and curriculum, and other great resources

Pennsylvania Clean Air Council - details of their School Bus Anti-idling Campaign, success stories, and great resources

Idle-Free Vermont - Explicit step-by-step instructions for creating your own no idling campaign

Vermont 10% Challenge (scroll a bit to reach “No-Idling Campaign) - information, brochure, flyer, sample policy

If you start Your Own No Idling Campaign, let us know. We’ll encourage other Utahns by telling them your story.

Though the air has been clearing up some in Utah County (from Yellow to Green) and in Weber County (from Red to Yellow), Air Quality condition in Cache, Davis, and Salt Lake Counties remains Red.

CACHE County: Air Quality condition as issued by the Bear River Health Dept.: RED
Health Advisory: Sensitive people (those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children) should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

SALT LAKE & DAVIS counties: Air Quality condition: RED
Health Advisory: Sensitive people (those with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children) should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

UTAH County: Air Quality condition: GREEN
Health advisory: none

WEBER County: Air Quality condition: YELLOW
Health advisory: none

For latest conditions, call the Air Pollution Hotline: Salt Lake and Davis, 801-975-4009; Utah and Weber, 800-228-5434; and Cache, 435-792-6612.

Tonight at midnight the public comment period for the Mountian View Corridor freeway closes.  If you haven’t done so already, please contact UDOT and let them know that you are concerned about the location of the proposed freeway and the lack of real public transit.

 The preferred alternative set out in the draft Environmental Impact Statement places the six-to-eight lane freeway within 500 meters of four schools; in fact three of those four schools are within 500 feet of the freeway!  Scientific studies show that attending school at such close proximity to a freeway is associated with serious health problems in children, including asthma, lung development problems, and even childhood cancer.   This location must be reconsidered, and any highway must be moved away from those children to a safer location.

We are also concerned that the plan does not call for any real public transit in the corridor for decades.  We believe that putting mass transit, such as light rail, into that end of the valley first will drive developemnt patterns in ways that will improve the air quality along the entire Wasatch Front.

To submit your comments please send an email to:   mountainview@utah.gov or mvcespanol@utah.gov

or go to the UDOT website and enter them into their form.

Thanks for taking action!!