A ‘toxic dust bowl’ threatens Utah’s future, one doctor says, in this week’s Inside Voices

Happy Saturday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.

Utah is barreling toward inversion season. And while the Environmental Protection Agency says Salt Lake and Provo are in attainment with the Clean Air Act for winter particulate pollution for the first time in more than a decade, one local group of doctors is urging the state to remain vigilant.

“A new source of air pollution looms as the new potential deal breaker — a toxic dust bowl replacing the Great Salt Lake,” writes Brian Moench, president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment. “By allowing massive diversions of the lake’s inlets, Utah is following an all-too-familiar pattern of government waiting too long to protect citizens from environmental hazards, industrial toxins and dangerous consumer products despite more than enough evidence to demand intervention.”

In an op-ed shared with The Tribune, he urges Utahns to reach out to their lawmakers.

“Tell them their undying dreams of economic nirvana in Utah will become nightmares if its population has had to pack up and leave simply because the air was no longer safe to breathe.”

I want to hear from you: How do you handle poor air quality in Utah? What do you want to see done to improve it? Share your thoughts.

A Quick Note

I’m back from maternity leave! Thanks to my talented colleague, Sam Morse, for covering while I was out.

As always, I’m looking for unique perspectives on the issues impacting Utahns. Have a story to tell? Send me a note at voices@sltrib.com.

Utah Voices

The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.

How to get better sleep this holiday season

“In Utah, with the early November sunsets and cooler weather encouraging cozy indoor gatherings, it’s natural for your body to feel a bit sleepier after a big meal,” writes Wendy Troxel, a senior behavioral and social scientist. “Here are a few strategies to keep your eating (and sleeping) on track, not just at Thanksgiving but all year-round.” Read more.

I’m a former Republican lawmaker. We should be your servants, not your masters.

“No matter how loudly the Utah Legislature squawks, the people of Utah have a constitutional right to reject gerrymandering,” writes David Irvine, an attorney and a former four-term Republican legislator from Bountiful. “But our Republican legislators seem to think that their will, not ours, should be paramount.” Read more.

In wake of Brighton council’s vote, Solitude should consider a land sale

“In the event that Solitude attempts to move forward with its parking lot plan (which has already drawn a raft of criticism from neighbors, community members, and environmental activists, alike), the only entities that will prosper are the attorneys,” writes resident Peg Kramer. “People are very passionate about Big Cottonwood Canyon, and public comment would be insurmountable — with innumerable, unmitigable reasons why the parking plan will never be approved. Solitude should consider selling the beautiful land to the town of Brighton now; watershed conservation and protection would be a win for all (and some community goodwill for Solitude would be an added bonus).” Read more.

Ogden mayor gives U.S. image a facelift

“[Ogden Mayor Ben] Nadolski’s refusal to cooperate with ICE does more than protect local residents, it projects a broader global commitment to human rights,” writes resident Elly Carlton. “His actions help repair America’s soft power by demonstrating that local governance can uphold civil liberties even when national policy wavers. Each local step toward acceptance and equality builds to promote healthier societies and inter-state relations.” Read more.

Share Your Perspective

Have medical co-pays ever prevented you from getting the medicine or health care you need? Tell me about your experience.

From Bagley’s Desk

I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.