This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Each year, the air in our valley becomes more polluted, and the dangerous health effects — elevated blood pressure to autism — are repeatedly documented. Our state leads the nation in autism rates.
So it was with disappointment — though not surprise — that I read that the Utah Division of Air Quality granted Tesoro refinery's application to expand by using the least expensive but most polluting means, violating the Clean Air Act. The permit allows increases of virtually all dangerous emissions by 60 percent to 500 percent.
Keep these points in mind from "Utahns sacrifice, but not big polluters" (Opinion, Oct. 6), by Brian Moench of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment:
• Former refinery managers and an engineer say it is unlikely that the refineries will meet even these liberal standards.
• "Actual pollution from refineries is between three and 100 times greater than what is claimed by the refineries."
• Emission levels exclude emissions of hundreds of diesel trucks traveling through our valley.
• Not one, but three refineries want to expand.
As citizens, we can help UPHE appeal the Tesoro permit by making a contribution. Apparently, we citizens must do our government officials' jobs for them.
Bill Forbes
Bountiful