Utah’s regional haze plan was inadequate
Last week, UPHE participated in a “People’s Filibuster,” hosted by our friends at Sierra Club Utah. Over 6,000 comments opposing Utah’s regional haze plan were read out loud. A powerful testament to how many people are aware that the state wasn’t planning to protect residents’ health, or the views at our treasured National Parks from pollution from coal plants.
“The pollution from Hunter and Huntington have represented a health hazard to people throughout Southern Utah and beyond. The issue goes far beyond visibility—it’s about health. Regional haze isn’t just something that obscures our views; it’s made up of tiny particles like PM2.5, ozone, and nitrogen oxides, which is a triple health threat, toxic in and of itself, but a precursor of both PM2.5 and ozone. To protect public health and the environment, the EPA must safeguard our air quality by disapproving of the inadequate regional haze plan that the state of Utah has submitted,” said Jonny Vasic, Executive Director for UPHE. Press release here.
EPA has until November 22, 2024 to issue its final rule, but it has already partially disapproved Utah’s haze plan for failing to include pollution controls.
I spoke on behalf of UPHE at the People’s Filibuster saying, “We have the tools, and we know the solutions. The only thing missing is the will to act. Utah’s beauty belongs to all of us, and the health of its people must come first. Cleaner air is not just a necessity for our visitors, but a basic human right for those who live and work here. Let’s ensure that we protect both the breathtaking landscapes and the communities that depend on them.”
When visitors come to Utah, they expect to see the majestic landscapes of places like Bryce Canyon and Arches, with their vivid colors and dramatic cliffs. Instead, haze from coal plants blurs the view, dulling the natural beauty that draws people here from all over the world.
But the issue goes far beyond visibility—it’s about health. Regional haze isn’t just something that obscures our views; it’s made up of tiny particles like PM2.5, ozone, and nitrogen oxides, which is a triple health threat, toxic in and of itself, but a precursor of both PM2.5 and ozone. This hazardous mix of pollution causes virtually all the same diseases as those caused by smoking cigarettes. All major organ systems are harmed: the heart, lungs, brain and nervous system. Cancer and pregnancy complications are all highly associated with this air pollution mix.
And it’s the people living closest to these plants, the rural residents, and the power plant workers, who are hit the hardest.