Feds take Wasatch Front off national dirty air list for inversion smog – The Salt Lake Tribune

Report on Air Quality Attainment in Utah and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary: A Milestone in Urban Sustainability

The Salt Lake and Provo metropolitan areas in Utah have successfully met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate pollution (PM 2.5). This achievement, the first in 15 years, marks a significant advancement in public health and environmental management, directly aligning with the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Progress Towards SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities)

The region, historically challenged by winter temperature inversions that trap pollutants, has moved from a “serious” nonattainment status to attainment. This progress is critical for mitigating the severe health risks associated with PM 2.5, which can penetrate lung tissue and enter the bloodstream. The improvement in air quality enhances the sustainability and livability of the Wasatch Front urban corridor.

1. Attainment Status Achieved: For the first time in 15 years, the region complies with the EPA’s 2006 standards for 24-hour PM 2.5 pollution.
2. Contribution to SDG 3: Reducing exposure to fine particulate matter directly supports targets for reducing illnesses and deaths from hazardous environmental pollutants.
3. Advancement of SDG 11: Cleaner air makes cities safer, more resilient, and sustainable by addressing a key environmental challenge affecting urban populations.

The Role of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in Achieving Clean Air

According to the Utah Division of Air Quality, this success resulted from “extensive planning and collaboration among the public, industry, and various government levels.” This multi-stakeholder approach exemplifies the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), demonstrating that cooperative action is essential for achieving complex environmental objectives.

• Collaborating Parties: The effort involved the public, private industry, and government agencies at local, state, and federal levels.
• Implemented Measures: Key actions included unpopular but effective regulations such as bans on wood-burning stoves and stricter diesel emission standards.
• Cooperative Federalism: The EPA acknowledged the achievement as a demonstration of meeting federal standards while respecting local priorities.

Persistent Challenges and Future Implications for SDGs

Despite this milestone, significant air quality challenges remain that intersect with multiple SDGs. These issues require ongoing vigilance and innovative solutions to ensure long-term environmental health and sustainability.

• Climate Change Impacts (SDG 13): Increased wildfire smoke from a warming climate presents a growing threat to regional air quality and public health.
• Industrial and Energy Demands (SDG 7 & SDG 9): The reliance of data centers on natural gas-fired generators contributes to emissions that form both ozone and particulate haze, highlighting the tension between industrial growth and the need for affordable and clean energy.
• New Pollution Sources: Summertime ozone pollution and dust from the drying Great Salt Lake bed are persistent issues affecting public health and community well-being (SDG 3 & SDG 11).

Stakeholder Perspectives and Recommendations for Continued Progress

Local experts and advocacy groups acknowledge the progress but emphasize the need for continued action. Their perspectives provide a roadmap for future efforts to protect public health and advance sustainability.

• Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR): Stated that “real progress comes from reducing emissions across every sector,” calling for comprehensive and continuous efforts.
• Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE): Cautioned that “there’s no safe level of air pollution exposure,” framing federal standards as a political compromise and advocating for policies that further protect public health in line with SDG 3.
• Dr. Kevin Perry, University of Utah: Noted a significant gap between the long-term trend of improving air quality and public perception. He recommended that state regulators improve public messaging and communication to build on this success and garner support for future initiatives.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article directly addresses public health concerns related to air pollution. It mentions the health impacts of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), stating it can “move through lung tissue, make its way into the bloodstream and impact the brain.” The entire effort to reduce pollution is framed around creating a healthier environment for residents.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The focus of the article is on the air quality within specific urban areas: the “Salt Lake and Provo areas” and the “Wasatch Front.” The discussion revolves around managing pollution generated by urban activities (“tailpipes, smokestacks, homes and industries”) to make these communities safer and more sustainable.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving air quality improvements. It explicitly mentions that the success “resulted from extensive planning and collaboration among the public, industry, and various government levels.” This multi-stakeholder approach, involving local, state (Utah Division of Air Quality), and federal (EPA) bodies, is central to SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

• This target is directly relevant as the article’s central theme is the effort to reduce air pollution from fine particulates (PM 2.5), which are hazardous to human health. The statement from the Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment that “There’s no safe level of air pollution exposure” underscores the goal of reducing illnesses caused by this contamination.

Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

• The article is entirely focused on improving air quality in the urbanized Wasatch Front region. The achievement of “attainment for 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate pollution” is a direct measure of reducing the adverse environmental impact of these cities.

Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development.

• The article describes a coordinated effort involving different levels of government and various stakeholders to tackle a complex environmental issue. The collaboration between the Utah Division of Air Quality and the federal EPA, despite “longstanding tensions,” to implement plans and meet standards demonstrates an effort towards policy coherence for the sustainable development goal of clean air.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicator for Targets 3.9 and 11.6: Annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).

• The article explicitly and repeatedly refers to the measurement of “fine particulate pollution called PM 2.5.” The key achievement discussed is that the Salt Lake and Provo areas “have reached attainment for 24-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate pollution called PM 2.5.” This standard serves as a direct, measurable indicator of air quality and progress towards the targets.

Indicator for Target 17.14: Mechanisms in place to enhance policy coherence for sustainable development.

• The article implies the existence of such mechanisms by describing the successful outcome of collaborative efforts. The statement that the achievement “resulted from extensive planning and collaboration among the public, industry, and various government levels” points to the existence of plans and partnerships (like the Utah Clean Air Partnership, or UCAIR) that function as mechanisms for policy coherence. The EPA’s reference to “cooperative federalism” also suggests a formal mechanism for collaboration.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: sltrib.com