Salt Lake City’s air quality is a point of concern for many who live here. The Department of Environmental Quality’s website charts reflect that during a recent week there have been a few times that the air quality was unhealthy for sensitive groups. And in the winter the poor air quality is often noticeable even without testing equipment.
Poor air quality can lead to many health challenges, and often has a greater impact on minority groups, as noted in an article in the Daily Utah Chronicle. This is an environmental justice issue that I care about, and which has relevance to every person who lives in this valley.
One great solution to the issue of air quality is better public transportation. I use the UTA public transit systems routinely, and while it is very helpful for getting to and from a few select locations, it does not reach nearly enough of Salt Lake City’s areas reliably for it to be a viable mode of transportation for many people.
This also significantly limits employment opportunities for individuals who are not able to drive because of disabilities or medical conditions.
The CDC states that public transportation is linked with improved public health because it allows more equitable access to jobs, grocery stores, helps people be active, and reduces air pollution, among other benefits.
I would like to publicly advocate for the following:
a) People who commute to and from Salt Lake to consider using public transit as an alternative to driving. b) A public transit system that reaches more areas of the Salt Lake Valley more efficiently.
Ruth Phillips, Bountiful
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