How EPA millions will help Utah with air quality – Deseret News

The state is receiving more than $110 million in federal grants to help it reach its goal of achieving zero emissions as it strives to be an economic powerhouse with a rapidly growing transportation system to move goods wherever they need to go across the country are needed.

“It’s an incredible and historic day for our state,” said Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority. He said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant announced Friday represents an “incredible effort to collaborate with the Westside community.”

He emphasized that generations will look back on the successes made possible by the funding and how the money helped curb the state's ongoing air quality problems.

This, he said, standing against the backdrop of the Salt Lake Intermodal Terminal on Friday afternoon, “is the heartbeat of Utah's economy.”

As he spoke, a steady stream of tractor-trailers left the terminal for unknown routes and passenger planes flew overhead after taking off from Salt Lake International Airport.

“We need to be cleaner, smarter and more efficient,” Hart said. The acclaimed grants are:

• The Utah Department of Environmental Quality received $112 million through the EPA's Clean Port Program. This money will help deploy electric vehicles and equipment such as terminal tractors, dump trucks, locomotives, freight handling equipment and charging infrastructure.
• The Utah Inland Port Authority received $2.4 million for emissions inventory, emissions reduction, workplace analysis and community engagement.

Kelly Watkins, chief of staff for EPA's Region 8, which covers Utah among other areas, said it was a testament to Utah's conviction and ability to receive this funding. A total of $3 billion was available in the pot, and Utah received two of those grants out of 55 submissions.

She added it was refreshing and showed a growing awareness that ports were not limited to coastal areas.

Kim Shelley, executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, knows all too well that Utah is struggling to curb air pollution and find innovative solutions to maintain a thriving economic environment, but also serves as a steward and responsibility for ways to reduce harmful ones takes over pollutants.

She said these grants represent important progress, again for generations to come.

“$110 million is a staggering number,” she said, adding that it will build on the work of other federal funds, such as the $74 million Beehive grant.

Nathan Peterson, senior director of public affairs for the Union Pacific Railroad, said people should remember that every time a freight train travels a route, it is carrying goods that consumers have ordered: computer equipment, clothing and everyday products that make for good Quality required are lives.

Union Pacific Railroad is the largest railroad company in North America. Peterson said they are working hard to reduce emissions – and these grants come with zero-emissions conditions.

With Utah often referred to as the “Crossroads of the West,” Union Pacific is an important and vital part of its economy.

And freight trains are also efficient. One gallon of fuel is enough to carry one ton of cargo 480 miles. Peterson added he looks forward to working with the Port Authority and DEQ to achieve greater emissions efficiency.

Charlotte Fife-Jepperson, second vice president of the Westside Coalition, said the grants give her hope that Westside communities hardest hit by truck and train traffic and the rise of the airport have not been forgotten.

“We are committed to a safe quality of life,” she said.

Victoria Petro, the Salt Lake City City Council member who represents the west side, was enthusiastic and emotional.

“Welcome to the west side, the best side,” she said. There has been fear and resistance to the changes that all of these transportation developments will bring, but ultimately these grants will help combat tailpipe emissions and ensure a healthy, stable workforce.

“We have to implement this now.”