Trump's Gifts

Vehicle emissions will no longer be regulated. That means more gas-powered cars, fewer electric cars, and more tailpipe emissions — pollution.

The Wasatch Front, already faced with days of inversion, will only have more.

The cloud of pollution that many witness when they are high enough to see it hang over the valley will only increase.

This is because President Trump repealed the EPA’s “endangerment finding” — rules that restrict CO₂ emissions.

Unless Utah marches against federal standards instead of aligning with them, enforcement of air quality rules might falter.

As of this week, Utah has received only one-third of its normal February snowpack. Unfortunately, this climate impact could increase. Ski cities such as Park City could be financially strained. Warmer winters mean shorter seasons, and that means fewer tourists — and among the tourists who do come to enjoy Utah skiing, less satisfaction.

There will be more emergency room visits for asthma, heart disease, and heat stroke. There are already times when hospital resources are strained. It could get worse.

Premiums for homes, fire risks, and flood zones might increase.

Utility bills could rise as people use air conditioning more because of hotter weather.

To sum it up: Trump’s decision on the environment strips Utahns of the protections they need. It means more pollution, hotter summers, less snow, higher costs, and greater health risks.

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