Utah Physicians Achieve Federal Court Order Prohibiting National Auto Parts Distributor From Selling Pollution Control Defeat Devices

June 1st, 2023

4 Wheel Parts stores nationwide – including those in Salt Lake City and Ogden – are now prohibited from selling or installing aftermarket parts that defeat air pollution controls in
Read More


Residents speak out against Inland Port

May 31st, 2023

There have been numerous op-eds by concerned and skeptical residents since the Utah Inland Port’s rebrand and recent actions to expand operations across the state. One of the latest was
Read More


Malpractice in Utah forest management

May 31st, 2023

Is logging, “thinning,” and burning really the way to reduce wildfire risk? If it seems counterintuitive, that’s because it is. If it seems like climate malpractice, that’s because it is.
Read More


Comment on DAQ’s decision to approve Parley’s mine

May 31st, 2023

It’s time to step up in the fight against the massive gravel pit and mine at the base of Parley’s Canyon. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air
Read More


Deadline to order free air purifiers for schools coming soon

May 23rd, 2023

Fox13 had a piece on the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ free air purifier program for schools and daycares.  UPHE president Dr. Brian Moench said, “It’s important that
Read More


UIPA’s money is our money; where is our say?

May 23rd, 2023

Two excellent op-eds on residents’ views and experiences with the Utah Inland Port were published in the Salt Lake Tribune this week.  Teri Lyn Harman attended the Stop the Polluting
Read More


Why does Utah have an Inland Port?

May 23rd, 2023

The recent rebranding of the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) may seem like a fresh start, but it’s going to take a lot more than a new logo to prove
Read More


What’s been up with the air?

May 23rd, 2023

The air pollution over the last few days is a jarring glimpse into our future. On Wednesday, it was, in part, a dust storm from the exposed lake bed of
Read More


Coalition calls out Utah Inland Port Authority’s latest business scheme: “More tax breaks for the rich, pollution for everyone else”

May 23rd, 2023

On Thursday,  May 11, at 9:30 am in the Utah Capitol Rotunda on the east steps, a coalition of groups will call on the Utah Inland Port Authority to stop the
Read More


Free air purifier program ending soon

May 16th, 2023

UPHE has been hard at work with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services on a program that provides federally funded air purifiers to schools and daycare centers across
Read More


Ports spreading across the state are pollution nightmares

May 16th, 2023

A lot has transpired concerning the Utah Inland Port lately, particularly various “satellite ports” now called project areas popping up across the state.  Watch the Stop the Polluting Port Coalition’s
Read More


There’s a lot more than baseball in the Utah air

May 2nd, 2023

Salt Lake City has been buzzing about the potential of hosting a Major League Baseball (MLB) team since concept images were released. A notable and realistic aspect of the concept
Read More


New research supports ongoing program for free air purifiers in schools

May 2nd, 2023

Two recent studies add even more evidence to the importance of children breathing clean air at the earliest stages of life. One study out of Simon Fraser University, which has
Read More


Utah inland ports offer public risk for private gain

May 2nd, 2023

Salt Lake City has been fighting against an Inland Port in our neighborhood for 5 years. After 5 years of misusing public funds, steamrolling public input, and removing local representation,
Read More


This Utah spring, it’s what we’re not hearing that’s the problem

May 2nd, 2023

Global bird populations have plummeted 30% and pesticides are one of the culprits. UPHE’s president and co-founder, Dr. Brian Moench, had the following op-ed published in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Read More


Takeaways for Utah from the 2023 State of the Air report

April 28th, 2023

The American Lung Association annually releases a report on the air quality of the country’s major cities, “State of the Air.” The report came a day after winds over the
Read More


Free air purifiers for Utah schools and state-licensed early care and education centers

April 27th, 2023

Program ends soon Salt Lake City—Using money from a one-time federal grant, Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE) have collaborated
Read More


Op-eds: pollution, development and growth

April 18th, 2023

A few recent op-eds in the Salt Lake Tribune really resonated with UPHE’s mission. It’s great to hear the community’s input and opinions so this page is dedicated to amplifying
Read More


Heavy snow has helped Great Salt Lake, but conservation is still essential to saving it

April 11th, 2023

An unusually snowy winter has brought Great Salt Lake up a few feet from its record-breaking low. While we are happy to see levels rising, we’re hesitant to celebrate. We
Read More


A promise from Governor Cox

April 11th, 2023

Public comment processes can be difficult to navigate. Comment dates and periods often come up and pass by quickly, or don’t happen at all. This leaves residents who want to
Read More


The Inland Port expands its impact – Cedar City to Tooele

April 11th, 2023

The Utah Inland Port just approved the creation of a new project area, consisting of nearly 900 acres outside of Cedar City. The Iron Springs Port will provide unnecessary tax
Read More


Call to action! Utah Air Quality Board

April 11th, 2023

Last week, three Republican Senators voted against Governor Cox’s nomination of Dr. Suzanne Harrison for the Utah Air Quality Board. Dr. Harrison is a current member of the Salt Lake
Read More


Stricter standards would benefit the public

April 4th, 2023

Thanks to all who submitted comments to the EPA on their consideration of soot standards. We know that there is no safe level of air pollution.  After over a decade,
Read More


UPHE on letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg opposing Uinta Basin Railway

April 4th, 2023

UPHE joined 149 other environmental groups in sending a letter to the U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, to pull the plug on the Uinta Basin Railway.  The railway would be
Read More


Unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals in popular household cleaners

April 4th, 2023

KPCW reporter, Kimberly Flores, asked UPHE to weigh in on an article in the New York Times about people continuing to use toxic cleaning disinfectants in their homes to kill
Read More


Listen: Fight against sale of illegal pollution-defeating devices

April 4th, 2023

KPCW’s This Green Earth had UPHE on their talkshow last week to discuss our ongoing campaign against the sale of pollution-defeating devices on trucks.  Our lawsuit against the Diesel Brothers
Read More


Listen: What we lose if the Great Salt Lake dries up

March 28th, 2023

Utah has gained a national spotlight through the depletion of one of our most precious natural resources, Great Salt Lake. The national attention has helped Great Salt Lake gain $25
Read More


Uinta Basin Railway – “unconscionable greed, denial and a dismissal of reality”

March 28th, 2023

Americans were promised the Biden Administration would prioritize reducing the impacts of climate change by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Despite this understanding, in 2021 the Forest Service approved
Read More


Your job is to tell the EPA to do its job

March 27th, 2023

Agency has fallen behind on its responsibility to set safe standards for air quality in Utah. UPHE co-founder and president, Dr. Brian Moench, had the following op-ed in the Salt
Read More


Geneva’s Point of the Mountain expansion ‘tentatively’ approved

March 21st, 2023

The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining (DOGM) approved Geneva’s proposal to expand their massive Point of the Mountain rock quarry early this week, despite an outpouring of public
Read More


Great Salt Lake ignored by legislature, op-ed

March 21st, 2023

Utah Rivers Council had an excellent op-ed in the Cheyenne Post covering Governor Cox’s recent speech at the Future of Great Salt Lake Conference last week, mentioning that he didn’t
Read More


Utah Car Parts Company Agrees To Take Certain Vehicle Equipment Off The Market To Reduce Air Pollution

March 20th, 2023

Channel 4 News covered the latest update on UPHE’s lawsuit with 4 Wheel Parts. “Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE) lodged a consent decree with the Utah Federal District
Read More


Utah Physicians Secure Legal Settlement That Will Reduce Vehicle Pollution Across the Country

March 20th, 2023

4 Wheel Parts agrees to penalty and to end nationwide sales of illegal pollution defeat devices. (March 20, 2023 – Salt Lake City) – Today Utah Physicians for a Healthy
Read More


UDOT paving the way for Parley’s mine that hasn’t been approved

March 13th, 2023

Granite Construction’s proposed 634 acre mine is tied up in a legal debate after the Salt Lake County Council passed an ordinance to prevent it. Residents, especially the community of
Read More


Comments to UDOT on the taxpayer backed bond request from Uinta Basin Railway

March 9th, 2023

We urged the Forest Service not to approve passage of the Uinta Basin Oil Railway over our lands last fall. They didn’t listen. Now, the taxpayers could be on the
Read More


UPHE at Friday’s for Future Rally

March 7th, 2023

Thanks to all who attended last Friday’s climate strike at the capitol. The Salt Lake City strike was one of over 7,000 cities across the globe who participated, demonstrating a
Read More


Legislative Recap from Malin Moench

March 7th, 2023

Before the legislative session officially wrapped up at the end of last week, Malin Moench had an op-ed published in the Tribune. The op-ed discusses how recent federal legislative actions
Read More


HB220 – A positive step for air quality

March 7th, 2023

“The state is now authorized to come up with a plan and take action to regulate the emissions by 2026,” a KSL article reports on the passage of HB 220.
Read More


CBS and 60 minutes on the collapse of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem

February 28th, 2023

While the Utah legislature tries to sneak through mining and industrial development in our neighborhoods, a local environmental disaster sits primarily unaddressed – Great Salt Lake. The issues with the
Read More


The Northpoint Small Area Plan is an environmental injustice

February 28th, 2023

Another plan to completely degrade the Wasatch Front’s quality of life is gaining opposition. Developers are looking to turn Northpoint, one of Salt Lake’s remaining rural havens, into a new
Read More


Mining bill would be a nightmare for Utah’s future

February 28th, 2023

UPHE has warned that Jesse Lassley and Granite Construction are not done attempting to force their massive gravel pit and mining operation on the very vocally opposed Wasatch Front. In
Read More


Vehicle Emissions in the Valley

February 21st, 2023

Mobile source emissions are one of the leading sources of pollution in the Salt Lake Valley. The body of research on what this means for our health is growing stronger,
Read More


Great Salt Lake needs real solutions

February 21st, 2023

Great Salt Lake is getting more and more attention as concern over what its declining levels mean for the future. While the legislature insists they are paying attention, most of
Read More


Public health malpractice in Summit County

February 21st, 2023

UPHE’s founder and board president, Dr. Brian Moench, had a guest editorial in the Park Record on the harm being inflicted upon Summit County residents by the Forest Service’s thinning
Read More


Free Fare Forever

February 14th, 2023

Despite last year’s success, Free Fare February was reduced to just 10 days this year. Now through February 21st, all UTA services are free. The timeline at least lines up
Read More


EPA standards are stricter, but still don’t reflect the dangers of pollution

February 14th, 2023

The health consequences of PM2.5 are well documented, and the research clearly shows that there is no safe level of air pollution. The current federal standards are way too high,
Read More


Scientists fear a Great Toxic Dustbowl could soon emerge from the Great Salt Lake

February 14th, 2023

The disappearing Great Salt Lake makes national news again, this time from CNN. “When lake levels hit historic lows in recent months, 800 square miles of lakebed were exposed –
Read More


A bill to reduce noise pollution

February 7th, 2023

Representative Gay Lynn Bennion is sponsoring a bill that will help address noise pollution, which is an increasing problem along the Wasatch Front. Believe it or not, noise pollution has
Read More


Population, climate change and GSL

February 7th, 2023

Great Salt Lake made national news yet again. An NPR piece looked at Utah’s toxic relationship between development, population growth, and environmental policy. A combination of climate denial and prioritizing
Read More


UPHE pushes for air purifiers in classrooms

February 7th, 2023

The Utah Department of Health’s air purifier program is one way UPHE is making a difference and protecting Utahns from unacceptable air pollution levels. Fox 13 interviewed us about the
Read More


Behind this winter’s worst inversion yet

February 7th, 2023

Wasatch Front residents saw the worst inversion of the winter so far last weekend. The Salt Lake Tribune reported “By Friday afternoon, PM2.5 measurements were double the federal limit in
Read More


Dr. Moench on panel for documentary “Downwind” at the Slamdance Film Festival

January 31st, 2023

Dr. Moench was on a question and answer panel at Slamdance Film Festival after a documentary, “Downwind” showed the public health effect of nuclear testing.  “Subsequent generations may suffer more
Read More


Chopping trees won’t save the Great Salt Lake — but it may cause larger problems

January 31st, 2023

“Tree thinning will hurt our environment in more ways than it could help,” wrote Dr. Brian Moench in his latest op-ed in the Deseret News. Read the op-ed below: A
Read More


Residents speak out against Geneva Rock expansion

January 31st, 2023

Last Friday, the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining (DOGM) held another hearing on Geneva’s application to expand their gravel operations at the Point of the Mountain. The city of
Read More


US Magnesium is responsible for 10 to 25% of winter inversion PM2.5

January 31st, 2023

New research from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has identified bromine emissions from US Magnesium Corp operations are responsible for 10-25% of the typical winter inversion pollution that plagues
Read More


Free Fare February – back in limited form

January 31st, 2023

Free Fare February is back, but this year it only includes 10 free days for the month. Take advantage of free UTA services to improve your commute, and clean up
Read More


Invest in Utah’s Future Coalition Press Conference

January 24th, 2023

The Deseret News covered a press conference put on by the Invest in Utah’s Future Coalition.  UPHE’s executive director, Jonny Vasic, spoke at the press conference about the incredible opportunity
Read More


The legislature’s plans for water conservation

January 24th, 2023

Water conservation should be on the top of the list for the legislature this session. We’ve been battling the mega drought for some time now, but with all of the
Read More


Residents lose in lawsuit decision with the Inland Port

January 24th, 2023

“Salt Lake City and the state of Utah mutually agreed to dismiss the lawsuit, the Utah Attorney General’s Office and Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s office confirmed to FOX 13 News.”  The
Read More


Stove Wars: The Science Strikes Back

January 24th, 2023

UPHE’s Dr. Brian Moench had the following op-ed published in the Salt Lake Tribune: “I don’t know what they have to say, it makes no difference anyway, whatever it is,
Read More


Is Salt Lake City prioritizing warehouses over farms, homes and habitat for the Great Salt Lake?

January 18th, 2023

Thanks to everyone who showed up last week and testified before the Salt Lake City Planning Commission in opposition to another mini-inland port warehouse farm in North Salt Lake. Almost
Read More


Legislators respond to the 5-year timeline for GSL

January 18th, 2023

A huge thank you to all who showed up at the Capital last Saturday for the rally to save Great Salt Lake. The turn out and passion exhibited was inspiring.
Read More


UPHE on the proposed I-15 expansion

January 12th, 2023

Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE) is one of the largest civic organizations of health care professionals in the Western US, with over 450 physicians and medical professionals and
Read More


EPA’s proposal falls far short and must be strengthened

January 10th, 2023

After the EPA under the Trump Administration failed in their responsibility to protect public health and tighten the national air pollution standards of PM2.5, the Biden Administration is finally moving
Read More


Make your voice heard on the I-15 plan

January 10th, 2023

The Salt Lake Tribune has an excellent in-house editorial dressing down the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), both for their 19th century solutions to 21st century transportation problems, and for
Read More


New report gives GSL only 5 years

January 10th, 2023

The disappearing Great Salt Lake has again made national news. This time for a new report that says the lake will essentially be gone within five years without emergency measures
Read More


Coalition calls on Salt Lake City to halt effort to create Northpoint warehouse district which will harm residents, Great Salt Lake wetlands and increase pollution

January 10th, 2023

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City’s Planning Department is proposing creation of a new warehouse district in the Northpoint area (north east of the airport) which would decimate quality of life for
Read More


Dust in the rain

January 5th, 2023

The dreary state of our Great Salt Lake is a boon for window washers. After each cold front and rainstorm comes windows covered with little grey spots – each raindrop
Read More


How will we develop? Northpoint residents are worried.

January 4th, 2023

Sign the petition Some Salt Lake City residents have serious cause for concern about legislators and developers intentions for their neighborhoods. The city’s planning commission recently voted to recommend the
Read More


More coal is not the direction we should be heading

January 4th, 2023

Two coal mining operations that are already under fire (literally and figuratively) are in the process of gaining access to 40 million tons of coal. The process in which they’re
Read More


A wish list to save Great Salt Lake

January 4th, 2023

Great Salt Lake has quickly become one of the most pressing issues facing air quality and quality of life along the Wasatch Front and in Utah. There are a smörgåsbord
Read More


DEQ denies US Magnesium’s permit for canal extensions in GSL

January 4th, 2023

Great News on the Great Salt Lake front! The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), has rejected the application from US Magnesium Corp to extend their canals and siphon off
Read More


Utah not alone in the fight against the Uinta Basin oil railway

December 20th, 2022

Fighting environmental battles in Utah can sometimes feel isolating. Which is why we are thankful for Colorado residents and the government for their vocal opposition to the Utah spurred project,
Read More


Utah’s population and air pollution

December 20th, 2022

KUER reported this week on two frequent topics of conversion for Utahns – the growing population, and the air pollution crisis. The two are inextricably linked.  “Utah State University projects
Read More


Governor Cox rescinds support of US Magnesium canal expansion

December 20th, 2022

We’re all well aware of the state of Great Salt Lake, and the threats we face if it continues to decline. That’s why, most of us were shocked and fearful
Read More


Everyone has taken up smoking in Summit County

December 20th, 2022

An op-ed from Dr. Brian Moench UPHE has been fielding complaints from Summit County residents about what the forest service is doing in their county. The photos we’ve been sent
Read More


What’s going on with the mosquitoes at the prison?

December 14th, 2022

A November Tribune article exposed an issue that UPHE warned against a while ago – mosquitoes terrorizing the new state prison. The Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District (SLCMAD) sprays
Read More


Why indoor air quality in schools is a priority

December 14th, 2022

You’ve hopefully heard by now about the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UHHS) program to put air purifiers in K-12 schools and early education centers throughout the state,
Read More


West-side pollution survey

December 14th, 2022

We have said it time and time again – the exploitation of Salt Lake City’s west side is a prime example of environmental injustice. West side communities are typically more
Read More


Developers are fighting hard for Utah Lake – we need to fight harder

December 14th, 2022

Earlier this year, Utah’s Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL) and the federal Army Corp of Engineers both rejected the ridiculous proposal from Lake Restoration Solutions (LRS) to
Read More


Parley’s mine not even approved and causing problems

December 7th, 2022

Granite construction’s proposed limestone mine for Parley’s Canyon has faced fierce criticism and pushback for the effect it is sure to have on our quality of life on the Wasatch
Read More


What the youth are doing

December 7th, 2022

Students at Utah Valley University are asking people to give the gift of clean air by taking public transportation.  For UVU student Caitlyn Bennett, winter is a time too often
Read More


A sobering reminder from local women

December 7th, 2022

“We are two women with one too many things in common. We both lived our adult lives in Salt Lake City, are nurses, college professors, were never exposed to radon
Read More


Another issue with UDOT’s gondola plan for Little Cottonwood Canyon

November 28th, 2022

While at the surface level, a gondola may sound like it would have a positive effect on air quality, the plan for the gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon only promotes
Read More


Support west side communities, comment on UDOT’s I-15 expansion proposal

November 28th, 2022

If you were to ask the average Utahn, “Should the Wasatch Front follow the same blueprint for freeways and urban sprawl that everyone hates about Los Angeles?” no one would
Read More


One crop uses more than half of Utah’s water

November 28th, 2022

With Great Salt Lake drying up and spreading toxic dust across Wasatch Valley neighborhoods, water conservation has become a key air quality issue in Utah.  A recent Salt Lake Tribune
Read More


A message from UPHE’s Doctor Tom Nelson on Wasatch Valley air quality

November 28th, 2022

Last week, on November 22nd, Salt Lake City had the 22nd worst air quality on planet earth. We were number one in North America (next was Mexico City at 30).
Read More


Inmates, mosquitoes and pesticides

November 22nd, 2022

Over the weekend the headline story on the front page of the Tribune was an article about mosquitoes swarming the newly relocated Utah State Prison in the Northwest Quadrant and
Read More


The dangers of indoor air quality, and what we’re doing to help

November 22nd, 2022

KSL Channel 5 did a nice piece last week on the air purifiers in schools program UPHE works on with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. We now
Read More


Op-Ed: Utah lawmakers may yet emerge from their environmental comas

November 22nd, 2022

UPHE’s Dr. Moench has another Op Ed in the Salt Lake Tribune on the national attention on Utah for our unsolved and largely unaddressed environmental problems. Read it in full
Read More


There is no safe level of air pollution

November 14th, 2022

You have heard us say for years that there is no safe level of air pollution exposure. New research adds even more evidence to the science behind that. Science Daily
Read More


Prepping for the inversion

November 14th, 2022

Most of us along the Wasatch Front are familiar with the winter weather inversion. With temperatures dropping, the inversion is upon us. While we are familiar with the inversion, how
Read More


The case the youth have against the state

November 14th, 2022

A group of Utah youth is standing up to lawmakers and outdated environmental policies with a lawsuit that outlines the effect these policies have on the future.  Here in Utah,
Read More


Where are the brine flies and why does it matter?

November 14th, 2022

An alarming report has found that the collapse of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem has already begun. Great Salt Lake brine flies have just about disappeared. They are an irreplaceable
Read More


Utah receives EPA grant money to monitor air quality

November 8th, 2022

The EPA also announced last week that federal funds are available for air quality monitoring for 37 states, including our very own. $1,284,587 of the funds are intended for three
Read More


The details on a UPHE prompted environmental justice study

November 8th, 2022

UPHE has been meeting with the EPA over our concerns about adding a major new source of pollution with the proposed inland port on the West side for a few
Read More


New GSL water restrictions – is it enough?

November 8th, 2022

Great Salt Lake has been a major topic of discussion, here in Utah, and nationally. The good news is that with all of the attention and pressure to preserve our
Read More


Utah teens take the state to court

November 8th, 2022

For decades, Utah state policy-makers have intentionally prioritized and subsidized the fossil fuel industry to the detriment of current and future generations. Earlier this year, a team of seven young
Read More


Rail traffic in the city adds to air pollution

November 1st, 2022

Alejandro Puy, Salt Lake City Council Member for District 2 on the west side, had a letter in the Salt Lake Tribune last week, addressing the issue of rail traffic
Read More


Utah Lake islands project rejected

November 1st, 2022

We are delighted to include the latest piece of news on the scheme to dredge Utah Lake.  “A controversial application to dredge Utah Lake as part of a massive island-building
Read More