The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Salt Lake City a $368,000 grant for projects that combat harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Utah's capital was one of 20 cities to snag part of the $7.8 million EPA grant that is part of a program called Sustainable Transportation for a Sustainable Future.

The city will use the money toward its goal of reducing vehicle emissions by 63,000 tons by fostering sustained changes in driving behavior of residents.

"Salt Lake City is excited to move our Clear the Air Challenge, Salt Lake Sustainable Schools and Travelwise programs to the next level with this grant funding," Mayor Ralph Becker said in a statement. "We are very pleased to have been selected as one of the few recipients nationwide."

According to the EPA, Salt Lake City was selected because of its commitment to combating climate change, particularly air quality.

Kennecott-Rio Tinto, Salt Lake County, the Utah Department of Transportation, Utah Clean Cities Coalition and Salt Lake Solutions also pledged to the effort, raising the total fund to $552,000. The city and its partners will next create instructions, research plans, messaging strategies and travel campaigns to share with other communities in Utah.

Derek P. Jensen