Standing with other private-sector leaders, Kurth said the state’s poor air quality has prevented his business from recruiting employees with specialized talent to Utah. He recalled several episodes of being midway through a job interview, only to have the prospect turn down an offer due to the region’s poor air conditions.
Several business owners mentioned their own pollution-reduction steps, such as installing solar panels and electric-vehicle charges in their workplaces, and encouraging employees to use mass transit or telecommute.
Utah businesses have contributed to improving the air, said Erin Strahm, program administrator for nonprofit Leaders for Clean Air, which helps businesses find ways to cut their impact on the airshed.