Salt Lake MSA Development Thread

[Makid]

I think the main point is that we need to start doing something to limit the increase in pollution levels.

Yes, the current level may not change but if we were to enact free rides on red air days, pollution next year will be lower. If we lower fares year round, pollution next year will be lower.

Rio Tinto and other large polluters are already working to lower their pollution levels. If we don't do anything, the pollution levels may even drop by 5 ro 10 percent for a couple of years. But then we will then equal and exceed current levels if we don't do anything else.

That is why if we don't act now, levels 5 years from now will be worse. If we were to act now, it is possible that pollution levels may be the same as they are now or even possibly lower.

The thing to remember is that if Utah doesn't find a way to get the 2.5 pollution levels down or have a 5 year plan to do it, Utah will see a complete stop to all federal funding for roads. That would be a big hit to the economy especially as we are growing so rapidly.

So, while any actions today may not affect today, tomorrow or even this year, the actions will have an effect next year and a bigger effect each year there after.