This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Regarding recent committee hearings in consideration of Senate Bills 49 and 66, which would increase the statute of limitations for prosecuting violators of Utah's environmental laws and increase fines for violations respectively, the lukewarm reception granted these bills was somewhat disappointing.
Those industries which apply for and receive air-pollution permits from the state of Utah have entered into an agreement of trust with the people of this state. It only makes sense that the state has the proper tools to make sure that trust is well placed and to seek appropriate compensation when that trust has been broken.
When an industry can violate its permit and be free from penalty after only one year, and when financial penalties have not increased since 1981, the temptation for bad actors to seek unfair advantage by playing outside the law is large.
The state has clean air rules for good reasons. Enforcement should be meaningful. Good enforcement keeps everyone safe and playing by the same rules. As lawmakers consider these bills, I would ask, if I get a speeding ticket, may I pay the 1981 fine?
Air pollution is real. Let's keep enforcement real.
Mickelle Weber
Salt Lake City