$1.3 billion in taxpayer money going to the Utah Inland Port

Thanks to everyone who joined last week’s press conference ahead of a hearing on a bill that would decrease transparency of the Utah Inland Port Authority. You read that right, DECREASE TRANSPARENCY. 

The Stop the Polluting Port Coalition released a report showing that $1.3 billion in taxpayer money is being used to finance Inland Port operations. Shouldn’t the public have access to the basic details about how this public money is being spent?

“These developments will impair over 77,000 acres of Great Salt Lake Basin wetlands and add over half a million new vehicle trips to roads throughout the Wasatch Front,” the report states. 

“You may have heard the Great Salt Lake is already shriveling up,” UPHE’s Dr. Brian Moench said at the press conference. “Where will the water come from for all this development, especially data centers? Where will we go for air that is not dangerous to breathe?” 

UPHE is currently suing UIPA, along with a few of our partners, over claims of an unconstitutional board.

These developments not only include hundreds of thousands of diesel truck trips in areas already struggling with poor air quality, but they also come with subsidies for the fossil fuel industry—deepening our dependence on pollution-heavy industries at the expense of public health.

“For our lungs’ sake, for our children’s sake, for our public health’s sake, let’s oppose S.B. 239 and its impending danger to our ecosystem and our health,” UPHE’s Dr. Sara Johnson said. 

Watch the full press conference below.

Diesel emissions are a major contributor to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all of which degrade air quality and have severe health consequences. PM2.5 is especially dangerous because these microscopic particles penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. Diesel exhaust is classified as a known carcinogen by the World Health Organization.

The Port is attempting to dismiss very valid concerns about how they’re spending money and impacting the environment.

The bill unfortunately passed the Senate Committee, but you can still reach out to your legislators to vote no. It’s important legislators know that residents have concerns about where tax money is going and how their communities are developing. We will keep calling for a full audit of the Utah Inland Port.

ABC 4’s coverage 🎥
KSL’s coverage
Standard Examiner’s coverage