Utah’s new air pollution alert system has some health advocacy groups concerned. Under the new system announced Monday by the Utah Division of Air Quality, there will be fewer days that will trigger a Red Air Action alert. Red Air days are considered to be unhealthy for everyone. In the current system, they are triggered when PM2.5 levels are at 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The new system raises the threshold to 55.
Utah business leaders are making a case for why clean air is integral to a strong economy. At the Salt Lake Chamber’s 2nd Annual Clean Air Conference this morningpanelists from the Utah division of Air Quality, Wasatch Front Regional Council and Overstock.com discussed how environmental responsibility can benefit bottom lines and improve quality of life for everyone.