This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah clean air activists grabbed the attention of state leaders during a 2014 Capitol Hill rally.
Organizers of this year's event intend to ride the momentum to a new level with the Clean Air No Excuses 2015 Rally at noon Saturday on the Capitol steps.
"Last year, we used public pressure to show how important these issues are to Utahns. We want to show the Legislature last year was not just a one-time thing," said Brian Moench, president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment. "There is an ongoing level of public concern that should be compelling them to act."
The concern goes beyond wintertime inversions in Salt Lake City, Moench noted. Saturday rallies also have been scheduled in Logan, Moab and St. George.
More than 4,000 Utahns attended the first clean air rally during the 2014 legislative session and organizers are hoping to reach 10,000 Saturday.
New Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes is scheduled to address the crowd, along with several other state representatives.
"It is wonderful that a conservative lawmaker like the House speaker has agreed to talk," Moench said. "We hope it is indicative of real interest in furthering the legislation moving before them during this session."
The rally was arranged by Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, Utah Moms for Clean Air and Clean Air Now.
Organizers are encouraging people to ride a bike or walk to the rally. The Clean Air, No Excuses Rally 2015 Facebook page has details on the bike ride and walking route.
"This is a serious issue, but we want it to be fun and for people to enjoy themselves," Moench said. "There is nothing so serious that we can't have some fun while expressing our concerns."
Twitter: @BrettPrettyman —
Clean Air No Excuses rallies
All events are scheduled for noon Saturday.
Salt Lake City • Utah Capitol, 350 N. State
Logan • City Library, 255 N. Main
Moab • Swanny City Park, 400 N. 100 West
St. George • Dixie State University Campus, 900 E. 100 South