I am writing to urge Utah’s officials to embrace the Clean Power Plan, the EPA’s new rule that calls for a 32 percent reduction in carbon emission levels by 2030. I’m a supporter of this plan, and it’s not just because I’ve seen the effects of climate change — melting glaciers, erratic temperatures and decreased snowpack — all over the world. My support is also not just about my livelihood as a skier. It’s about improving our quality of life, cleaning up our air and creating a state future generations will want to live in.
I’ve always loved living in Utah for the state’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The people here are just as inspiring as the landscape. Utahns are known for their resourcefulness, entrepreneurial spirit and shared commitment to healthy, clean living. Most of the time, I am proud to tell people I meet around the world that I am from Utah.
However, our state’s reputation is becoming tarnished. Last spring, Powder Magazine published an article that dubbed Salt Lake City as “Smog Lake City” — an unfortunate but accurate depiction of Utah’s new reality. Dirty air, dwindling snowpack and a waning incentive to visit — let alone stay for the long haul. In fact, right now, 8.9 percent of Utah’s adult population and 6.8 percent of children in the state suffer from asthma, which is worsened by poor air quality days.
In 2012, Utah power plants emitted 31 million metric tons of carbon pollution — equal to the yearly pollution from over 6.5 million cars. One year later, in 2013, this number increased to 36 million metric tons of carbon from power plants in Utah — equal to the yearly pollution from over 7.5 million cars. That’s like adding 1 million additional vehicles in just one year.
Continuing with business as usual will not lead to decreased carbon pollution and cleaner air. Utah has vast untapped solar and wind potential. It’s time we capitalized on those resources instead of heavily investing in antiquated industries like coal. It’s not just about meeting national standards; it’s about making smart, forward-thinking decisions for the wealth and health of the people.
That’s why I’m disappointed to see our governor and state leaders fighting against the Clean Power Plan. In a recent statement about the Clean Power Plan, Sen. Orrin Hatch complained about “the unnecessary burden these new regulations place on hardworking Americans.”
I know how scary it can be to set a goal and try something new. It can be painful at first. And whenever my coach pushes me to do a hard workout, I push back. That’s normal, at first, but then I breathe into the discomfort and accept the potential for growth. Likewise, it’s time for Utah leaders to embrace the challenge of change and invest in a clean energy economy, for jobs, for our health and to preserve our way of life — especially our snowy winters.
Caroline Gleich is a Salt Lake City-based professional skier and mountaineer.