Feds could pull highway funding due to Utah’s bad air
Surprise, surprise, Utah state officials are once again attempting to dodge federal efforts to improve our air. A Salt Lake Tribune article reports that the state could lose federal funding for highway expansions if we don’t clean up our air.
The phenomenon has now been repeatedly documented, meaning that increasing freeway capacity increases use of the freeway, such that over time, often only a short time, the benefit of reduced congestion is eliminated by increased overall use. For example, a 2019 study found “aggregate vehicle miles traveled increase in exact proportion with lane-mileage, and that congestion relief from capacity expansion vanishes within five years of capacity expansion.”
For every 1% increase in road capacity, traffic increases 1%.
Utah’s persistent air quality issues, particularly summer ozone pollution, pose severe health risks, yet state legislators are prioritizing defiance against federal standards over effective solutions. Despite scientific evidence linking ozone pollution to respiratory diseases, lawmakers like Sen. Scott Sandall focus on resisting EPA regulations through bills like SB57, which allows the state to ignore federal laws deemed unconstitutional. This approach is a dangerous misuse of resources that should, instead, address the root causes of pollution.
We vehemently oppose the notion that Utah cannot control its ozone levels. While some pollution comes from external sources, actionable steps such as adopting Tier 3 fuels, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, and promoting electric over gas-powered lawn equipment, can significantly improve air quality. Misallocating funds to highway expansions only worsens pollution, whereas investing in public transportation and sustainable technologies, would reduce emissions and enhance public health.
Freeway-generated pollution includes every major pollution type: the toxic gases like NOx, VOCs, and carbon monoxide, precursors of ozone, primary and secondary particulate pollution, toxic chemicals like PAHs, and heavy metals like lead that still contaminate road dust throughout the highway network. While freeway pollution concentrates in the corridor, it can extend a mile in either direction, especially downwind. Freeway corridors have especially high concentrations of ultrafine particulate pollution.
Clean air is a non-negotiable right. Legislators must prioritize tangible solutions over political posturing to protect the health and well-being of Utah residents. We demand accountability and policies that ensure a sustainable, healthy future through improved air quality initiatives.
UPHE has previously commented against expanding highways in Utah based on air quality and health concerns. See our comments below ↓
Salt Lake Tribune article here.
Update: Utah attempting to dodge federal air quality standards
KUER: Could EPA air quality standards be Utah’s first test of its new sovereignty law?
As a physicians group, focused on air quality and public health, we are deeply concerned about the state’s current approach to federal air quality standards. Instead of using taxpayer money to protect and enhance air quality for the benefit of its residents, Utah’s leadership is choosing to fight against the EPA standards that are designed to safeguard public health.
Governor Spencer Cox and other top officials label the EPA’s updated regulations on PM2.5 and ozone pollution as “onerous” and “impossible” to meet. However, these standards are vital for reducing pollution levels that have plagued Utah for years, especially in areas like Salt Lake, Davis, and parts of Weber and Tooele counties, which have struggled with non-attainment since 2006. Despite their inability to meet standards, three of those four counties have approved inland port project areas, which will increase diesel truck traffic and harmful emissions.
The state’s decision to challenge these mandates, including the “Good Neighbor Rule,” is misguided and risks not only federal funding for essential transportation projects but also the potential imposition of a federal plan if local efforts fail.
Director of the Utah Division of Air Quality, Bryce Bird, highlighted the severe consequences of non-compliance, which could halt both federal and state funding for critical regional projects in the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country. This approach is not only counterproductive but also endangers the health of Utah’s residents, who deserve clean air and a sustainable environment.
While Utah faces unique challenges due to higher natural ozone levels and international pollution, these issues should not exempt the state from striving to meet health-protective standards. Instead of litigation and defiance, Utah should invest in effective strategies to reduce pollution. We urge state leaders to prioritize the well-being of their constituents over costly legal battles. Taxpayer money should be spent on cleaning up our air, not fighting the very standards designed to protect us.