2024 Capitol Report: Week One
7 Days down, 38 to go! Last week, we saw the introduction of over 500 bills, the Governor’s priorities for the session, and the initial movement on environmental policies.
7 Days down, 38 to go! Last week, we saw the introduction of over 500 bills, the Governor’s priorities for the session, and the initial movement on environmental policies.
Dive into Utah’s inversion season, exploring the health risks, environmental disparities, and policy efforts combating air pollution. Discover the impacts and solutions in our latest issue update.
Meet Kaile Akina, HEAL Utah’s vibrant new Community Engagement Manager. Leveraging experiences at PIK2AR and UVU Center for Social Impact, Kaile advocates for systemic solutions embracing all communities. We are excited to have Kaile on board.
Welcome, Kaile!
Explore the Great Salt Lake’s ecological significance and the challenges it faces in our latest blog post, ‘The Great Salt Lake: An Update on Current Levels, Ongoing Challenges, and Our Next Steps.’ Discover how low water levels due to drought, overuse, and climate change threaten its ecosystems and communities. Stay informed about current water levels and the urgent need for conservation efforts. Explore the role of policy changes and collaborative initiatives, including HEAL Utah’s legislative impact. Address environmental justice concerns and community-driven efforts to protect the lake.
Community engagement and activism play a vital role in shaping the future of our environment and society. One remarkable individual who has truly exemplified the power of grassroots efforts and community involvement is Naphtali Garcia Arana, a dedicated community outreach intern at HEAL Utah
A recent article published by the New York Times highlights a study that contains startling revelations about the widespread reach of radioactive fallout from nuclear testing in the southwest starting in the 1940s. The study highlighted in the article, titled “Trinity Nuclear Test’s Fallout Reached 46 States, Canada, and Mexico,” sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of these tests, including their impact on Utah. As advocates for health and environmental justice, HEAL Utah is calling for the expansion and extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to provide much-needed compensation and support for the victims of nuclear testing, particularly in Utah.
Discover how solar power is transforming Utah’s air quality and energy landscape. Despite challenges, Utah’s commitment to solar energy shines bright. With impressive solar power generation, innovative community projects, and a drive for grid integration, Utah is leading the way towards cleaner air and a greener future. Learn how solar power reduces reliance on fossil fuels, charges electric vehicles, and supports grid stability. Explore the environmental considerations and equity aspects of solar energy adoption. Take action to strengthen Utah’s solar plan, ensuring a more sustainable tomorrow for generations to come.
It’s getting increasingly hot in Utah and the environmental impacts are real. Heat waves, poor air quality, water scarcity, and changes to the ecosystem are all putting populations most vulnerable – the elderly, children, and low-income families – at greater risk. Let’s all work together to protect our environment in order to keep our communities safe!
Did you know Utah experiences air pollution in both summer and winter? Winter air quality in the northern valleys is among the worst in the nation. In summer, ozone pollution is especially hurting air quality, causing all kinds of health issues such as difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, headaches, and coughing, not to mention long-term issues such as chronic respiratory illness and increased risk of infection. If you’re in Utah, read our latest blog post to learn more about this invisible pollution, precautions you can take, and how to take action.
Together we know the impact our collective efforts have on our local community, the greater state of Utah, and the nation as a whole. So, it’s imperative that we reflect on all the hard work that our many dedicated volunteers, determined lobbyists, and generous donors contributed to our numerous efforts this past year.