Emissions choke — Here's how the EPA is trying to help Utah clear its lungs

SALT LAKE CITY — The state is receiving more than $110 million in federal grants to help in its goal to achieve zero emissions as it strives to be an economic powerhouse with a rapidly growing transportation system to move goods throughout the country.

"It is an incredible and historic day for our state," said Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority. He said that the grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced Friday, mark an "incredible effort to work with the west side community."

Generations, he stressed, will look back at the achievements made possible under the funding and how the money helped curtail the state's persistent air quality problems.

This, he said as he stood against the backdrop of the Salt Lake Intermodal Terminal, "is the heartbeat of Utah's economy."

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

"We have to be cleaner, smarter and more efficient," Hart said. The grants celebrated are:

• The Utah Department of Environmental Quality received $112 million through the EPA's clean port program. The money will help with the deployment of electric vehicles and equipment such as terminal tractors, drayage trucks, locomotives, cargo handling equipment and charging infrastructure.
• The Utah Inland Port Authority was awarded $2.4 million for emissions inventory, emissions reductions, workplace analysis and community engagement.

Kelly Watkins, chief of staff for EPA's Region 8, which covers Utah among other states, said it was a testament to the convictions and skill of Utah to receive the funding. Overall, $3 billion was available in the pot, and Utah was awarded two grants out of 55 submissions.

She added it was refreshing and marked a growing acknowledgement that ports are not isolated to coastal areas.

Kim Shelley, executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, knows all too well about Utah's fight with tamping air pollution and arriving at innovative solutions to maintain a thriving economic environment while acting as caretaker and seeking ways to curtail harmful pollutants.

She said these grants represent an important step forward, again for generations to come.

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

Nathan Peterson, senior director of public affairs for Union Pacific Railroad, said people should consider that every time a freight train travels down a track, it is carrying goods consumers have ordered — computer equipment, clothing and everyday products necessary for a good quality of life.

Union Pacific Railroad is the largest railroad in North America, and Peterson said it is working hard to decrease emissions and eager to work with the port authority and DEQ on the matter. The grants come with zero-emission stipulations.

That said, Utah is often referred to as the "Crossroads of the West," and Union Pacific is a key part of its economy. Moreover, freight trains are efficient, with one gallon of fuel enough to move a ton of freight 480 miles.

Charlotte Fife-Jepperson, second vice president of the Westside Coalition, said the grants give her hope that the west side communities — impacted most by truck and train traffic as well as the airport's volume — have not been forgotten. "We advocate for the safe quality of life," she said.

Victoria Petro, the Salt Lake City Council member representing 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 change all these transportation developments will bring, but in the end, fighting tailpipe emissions and ensuring a healthy, stable workforce will be helped by these grants.

"We have to make good on this now," she said.

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