A new, legislative task force on improving Utah’s air quality is created by HB70, which won passage Wednesday in the House Public Utilities and Technology Committee.
"Air quality is an issue that impacts all Utahns," said sponsoring Rep. Patrice Arent, D-Holladay, who told members of the committee she’s fielding as many calls about Utah’s air pollution problems these days as she is on education. "But this issue has never been an issue before the Legislature before."
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The bill creates a 13-member task force made up of five senators and eight House members, both Republicans and Democrats. The panel’s job will be to look what’s already being done to improve air quality with an eye on finding ways to make Utah a better place to live and work. The panel also would suggest practical changes to laws and regulation before next December.
Its simple concept has garnered the support of the business community, including the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, a long list of environmental and health advocacy groups, such as the Utah Moms for Clean Air and the Audubon Society, and more than a dozen lawmakers from both parties.
"As stated in our 2012 Public Policy Guide, poor air quality hinders corporate relocation efforts, places additional regulatory burdens on business, increases health care costs and places Utah’s federal highway funding at risk," said the Chamber’s Ryan Evans.
Arent said she sees the Legislature’s effort working hand-in-hand with an air-quality campaign that is to be proposed next week by Gov. Gary Herbert.
The bill passed, 9-1, with Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, casting the sole "no" vote.
Twitter: @judyfutah
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