The projection that Utah’s population will double by 2065, mostly along the Wasatch Front, emphasizes the need for effective action because we must reduce the rate at which individuals pollute enough to offset the increase in vehicle traffic and emissions from buildings that will accompany this population growth. Several positive steps provide hope.
The 2017 Utah Legislature extended the tax credit for wind and solar renewable energy installations in homes and businesses. Cleaner Tier 3 fuels will be produced by several refineries in Utah by 2019. Electric vehicle sales in Utah are increasing, but are still less than 1 percent of vehicle sales.