People are leaving because of pollution
A sad, and excellently written op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune expressing a sentiment that many of us, especially those with health issues, can relate to. The op-ed, written by Andrew Bjelland, a distinguished PhD professor, was titled “Utah was supposed to be my final home. Pollution and politics might force me out.” It highlights what most aware residents worry about, what pollution is doing to their health, and what state officials are (or more aptly, aren’t) doing to protect them.
“Our state’s political and business movers-and-shakers promote maximum growth and development — and too readily downplay associated long-term environmental and human costs,” Bjelland expressed. He continued, “During their 2023 and 2024 sessions, Utah’s legislators did little to counter the ecological and environmental disasters following in the wake of a decades-long drought.”
At face value, it seems the legislature has taken some action to bring Great Salt Lake levels back. UPHE’s co-founder and president, Brian Moench, wrote an op-ed late last year uncovering the flaws in their supposed actions. They included insufficient reporting, contradictory investments, and self-serving interests.
Bjelland emphasized residents’ frustration with the legislature, writing, “Unfortunately there is little evidence that Utah’s legislators will — in a timely manner — issue an adequate response to present threats. Past performance is an all but certain indicator that their primary efforts will remain dedicated to growth and development. They will as usual turn a blind eye to the increased water consumption and pollution associated with a number of projects — the Inland Port being a prime example.” He links a UPHE page on the inland port as a reference.
“My wife and I will no doubt revisit our debate until further environmental degradation, heightened pollution, increased health risks and continued legislative inaction compel us to leave. Our forced exit, along with that of many others who share our concerns, may well occur in the not-too-distant future.
Unless voters hold legislators accountable at the polls, problems associated with environmental degradation and pollution will go unsolved Hence those challenges will likely go unmet at the state level.
A recent Supreme Court decision undermined federal agencies’ ability to deal effectively with environmental pollution. That decision makes it less likely the federal government will effectively monitor Utah’s environment, much less step in to resolve current problems in a timely fashion.”
It’s deeply disheartening to see Utah’s pollution reach such alarming levels that residents feel abandoned by their legislators and are contemplating leaving the state. If those who care about our environment are forced out, what will become of Utah? Who will remain to fight for cleaner air, healthier communities, and a sustainable future? The state’s identity and well-being are at risk if we lose those dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and public health.