One of the proposed measures would earmark funding for natural gas-powered school buses.
After a series of inversions clogged the sky and kept Salt Lake City residents in their homes throughout the month of January, Utah lawmakers are looking at ways to curb air pollution in the state. The legislative session, which began on Monday, Jan. 26, will include debate on several proposals that would allow state agencies to take a more authoritative approach to dealing with the poor air quality that Utah has been suffering from lately.
One such proposal is being sponsored by State Rep. Patrice Arent, who founded and serves as co-chair of the state government's bipartisan Clean Air Caucus. The proposal would allow the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to suspend vehicles' registration if they cannot pass an emissions test, even if the vehicle passed the test the last time it was inspected. Opponents of the measure, however, claim that it would unfairly target low-income people who can't afford regular maintenance on their cars.
Another potential measure, championed by Rep. Stephen Handy, R-Layton, would set aside $20 million drawn from Utah's Education Fund to pay for schools to upgrade their buses to natural gas models. The schools would be able to submit applications for grants to replace any buses produced before 2002, and the earmarked money would also go towards setting up compressed natural gas fueling stations for the buses to use.
If you live in Utah, you may be looking for ways to escape the air pollution without having to wait for the state government to sign a new law. Investing in a home air purifier can help you to turn your home into a sanctuary from poor air quality outdoors. Contact US Air Purifiers for help finding the perfect air purifier for your situation.