This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Gov. Gary Herbert declared May as Clean Air Month ("Utah governor declares Clean Air Month" (Tribune, May 3). I wonder why he didn't discuss cleaner gasoline as an option.
Herbert outlined three options open to consumers to reduce harmful emissions: Replace pre-2009 gas cans; use lower oil-based or water-based paints; and replace old yard equipment with low-emission models. Herbert also has mentioned having regulators target aerosol-powered consumer products.
These are good ideas that can move us forward to cleaner air. Nevertheless, tailpipe emissions account for more than half of Utah's pollution, yet the governor does not mention requiring cleaner gasoline or fuel-efficient cars. This would have the biggest impact on Utah's air quality.
It's time for the governor to stop worrying about the mouse in the corner and start addressing the elephant in the room.
Michael Miller
Salt Lake City