Salt Lake Valley is quickly approaching inversion season and it’s time to take action to mitigate the impacts of poor air quality. Endorsing policies for clean air are so critical to ensure a healthy environment for our community. According to the 2019 State of the Air Report, Salt Lake City is ranked 7th for the worst particle pollution in the nation. Particle pollution has detrimental and harmful effects to a person’s health and in the worst scenarios, long-term exposure to breathing in particulate matter can lead to deadly outcomes.
No one wants to witness our loved ones enduring heart disease, lung cancer, or asthma attacks. Hence, the prerogative to take preventive measures for our health is paramount. As a mom to my 1-year-old daughter, I think about the kind of place my child will be raised. Let’s all make the important decision to stand up for our families and have clean air and healthy communities.
I am so proud that students in the Granite School District formed a coalition in efforts to pass a resolution committing the district to 100 percent clean energy by 2030. Implementing renewable energy practices is one of the best investments for our children’s health and for our planet. Not only is this policy good for our health and environment, it’s kind to our wallets because clean energy is far less expensive than using fossil fuels. Consequently, this would mean a hefty cost-savings for Granite School District’s energy bills. I urge Salt Lake County residents to share their support for clean energy by contacting the Granite School Board of Education by phone at 385-646-4529 to register their comments.
Candice Sandness, West Jordan