Representatives from more than two dozen civic, professional and advocacy groups met at a Clean Air Summit to formulate goals and the beginnings of an action plan, said Utah Moms' Cherise Udell. The coalition will be science-based and focus on laws and practical tools citizens can use to protect their health from Utah's sometimes-poor air quality.
"What was clear is that we all share the same urgent concern that we need to address Utah's air quality for all Utahns," she said.
"We are speaking for the future generations that can't speak for themselves as well as the children who can't speak for themselves," she added. "The alliance believes that it is a basic right that everyone has access to clean air."
Among those who addressed the group Thursday were Salt Lake City Mayor-elect Ralph Becker, Utah Department of Environmental Quality Director Rick Sprott and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s Energy Adviser Dianne Nielson.
Dale Ann Petersen of the Utah Interfaith Power and Light, a faith-based group focused on environmental issues, said she is signed up to promote alternative energy as a solution to air-quality problems.
"We all are willing to go forward with advocacy and legislation," she said.
