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Gov. Herbert supports EPA proposals for cleaner air

Posted at 7:51 PM, Jun 24, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-24 21:51:14-04

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced his support for the EPA’s proposed tier three standards, and on Monday the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah, HEAL Utah, applauded his decision.

The proposed standards would lower the sulfur content in gasoline, and it would require car makers to put advanced pollution control technologies in new vehicles—all in an effort to combat air pollution.

HEAL Utah officials said if the proposal passes there will be fewer red air days, and they said tailpipe emissions will be reduced by 70 to 80 percent.

Mark Pacenza, policy director for HEAL Utah, said the governor made the right call in supporting the proposal.

“I think the governor realized that we have an air pollution crisis, and we really need to take any and all measures and if the EPA sticks to its guns and puts this into effect, it will make a big difference for Utah,” he said.

Pacenza said passing these proposals is a great first step, but he said there is still more to do when it comes to protecting the environment from the pollution caused by transportation, industry and individuals.