Gov. Norm Bangerter hopes a broad-based committee can find a way for the state to avoid federal sanctions because of dirty air along the Wasatch Front.
Davis, Salt Lake and Utah counties were among 70 metropolitan areas nationwide that failed to comply with federal air quality standards by the end of 1987. The federal Clean Air Act calls for sanctions to be imposed against communities failing to meet standards by that time.At a news conference Monday, Bangerter announced formation of a committee to deal with the problem and to bring air quality up to standards set by the EPA.
The 27-member committee, chaired by Bangerter, will include mayors, county commissioners, scientists, activists, education and industry leaders. The group will develop policies, decide how communities will maintain clean air and educate the public about pollution and solutions to the problem.
The committee will meet at least four times by the end of 1989. Its final recommendations should be ready by January.