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Letter: Work faster to clean up the air

(Trent Nelson | Tribune file photo) Southbound traffic on I-15 approaching Pleasant Grove on Wednesday Aug. 28, 2019.

As I read the article in Sunday’s paper describing HC1010 — dubbed the Utah Roadmap — I was shocked by its recommendations.

Taking 30 years to reduce air pollution by 50% and carbon emissions by 80% seems remarkably passive. The average lifespan of a car is only 12 years — probably half that for the high-mileage ones used for commuting. That means the vast majority could be replaced in seven or eight years. Large semi-trucks historically last 15-20 years, but are facing tougher new regulations.

Moreover, gas mileages get lower as altitude rises. As Utah and its contiguous states have much higher average altitudes than the rest of the country, these lifespan figures are almost certainly optimistic.

Hence, I feel that Utah should set an example for the rest of America. Set higher gas taxes and car and truck registration fees for older vehicles or that get lower gas mileages. Build truck exchange sites at the state border on I-15 and I-80, where large trucking companies can switch from diesel powered trucks to electric — and vice versa when leaving the state.

Idaho, Nevada, Arizona and Utah are the fastest growing states in the country — and among the top 10 states in hours of sunshine. It’s time we took the lead on this issue.

Frank Fish, Taylorsville

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