The gondola problem and what’s being done

An op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune points out how UDOT’s decision to proceed with the Little Cottonwood Canyon gondola is so contrary to any vestige of democracy at the level of state government. “An astounding 13,443 comments were made within a little over a month, from Sep. 2, 2022 to Oct. 17, 2022, with the vast majority showing a strong opposition to the gondola option. A survey of 13,069 comments was conducted by the “Students for the Wasatch” organization in which they found 88.58% of these were opposed to the gondola alternative,” Célestin Philippe wrote in his op-ed. 

Despite the massive public opposition, UDOT is planning on moving forward with a plan that includes the gondola in its third phase. The gondola is not yet funded however. 

Sign the Petition!

A Fox13 article covered a lawsuit that has risen to “pause” the gondola planning. They quote a spokesperson for the lawsuit who expressed, ““[We] expect the lawsuit will create the time and space for Utah legislators to review and direct UDOT to consider and test cheaper and more effective transportation solutions by using the $150M recently authorized BEFORE allocating additional taxpayer dollars or making a final decision.” 

We agree, and that same problem permeates almost all our environmental battles. The public wants to save Great Salt Lake, but the state is doing almost nothing to do that. The public doesn’t want to spend almost $2 billion to expand I-15, yet that’s what UDOT insists on doing. The public hates the very idea of allowing a huge gravel pit/limestone quarry in Parley’s Canyon, but the DAQ is almost certain to issue a permit. The public wants Utah to be more aggressive in transitioning to clean energy, but the state is still trying to find markets for more coal mining, and oil and gas drilling, as if the climate crisis and its associated persistent drought don’t exist. Air pollution consistently ranks near or at the top of the public’s concerns, yet the state insists on forcing multiple polluting inland ports on communities up and down the Wasatch Front.

We agree, and that same problem permeates almost all our environmental battles. Air pollution has been a top issue for Utahns, yet our legislature continues to promote increased vehicle use and fossil fuel extraction.