SALT LAKE CITY - Governor Herbert kicked off the Clear the Air Challenge Saturday in hopes of encouraging Utahns to take better care of the air we breathe.
Governor Gary Herbert and Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker were at Utah's Hogle Zoo to announce the fourth annual Clear the Air Challenge.
"It's not just a quality of life issue which is certainly at the forefront, it's a health issue, it's an economic development issue. It's something all of us need to be concerned about," said Herbert. "We all want clean air and water so we have responsibility and opportunity to contribute to the clean of our air and protection of our environment."
Since the program started in 2009, the city has reduced miles traveled by more than 36 million by making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, Becker said.
The governor encourages residents to use mass transportation more, start walking or biking and combine short trips. The simple changes not only improve Utah's air, but can also be a big money-saver.
"You can help yourself and your pocketbook and maybe your kids' health and our air pollution," said Becker.
The challenge is open to anyone. To participate, residents must register online and keep track of how they're reducing emissions.
For more on the challenge, visit cleartheairchallenge.org.
