23 years of continued impact
Before we jump into 2023, let’s recap the most memorable moments of this year and what we have achieved together.
Celebrate an impactful 2022 with HEAL.
This year you took action virtually and in person, joined us up on the hill, and participated in collective action like free public transit days— and so much more!
Check out this recap of the past year, and kudos for being a part of HEALS’ incredible community of environmental changemakers.
During 2022 we continued our work on our core issues. We have also expanded our ability to take on new environmental issues because of our successful 2021 capacity campaign. Notable accomplishments from this past year include.
2022 Highlights.
The Great Salt Lake
In 2022, HEAL Utah engaged with policymakers and our community partners on the looming threat to air quality along the Wasatch Front posed by the shrinking of the Great Salt Lake. HEAL primarily focuses on air quality monitoring-related legislation and research to understand disparities within communities better.
Public Transit
In 2019, House Bill 353 (HB353) provided funding for free public transit days on moderate to severe air quality days. HEAL has helped organize 8 zero fare days in the past two years, including two days this past February for Free Fare February. We have funding left for two more days during inversion. Once all zero-fare days are completed through this collaborative project, HEAL will work with lawmakers on zero-fare and public transit infrastructure legislation this upcoming session.
Inland Port
During the 2022 Legislative Session, HEAL Utah helped create and pass legislation to study a Diesel Emissions Reduction program for the State of Utah. This program would specifically target Inland Port diesel trucks and equipment. HEAL Utah will continue to assist with the design of this program.
Parley’s Canyon
HEAL Utah partnered with Save Our Canyons on education messaging to activate individuals to block further progress on Parley’s Canyon. Our team will continue to assist and look for possible legislation regarding this proposed project.
Building Codes
In August, HEAL, in partnership with O2 Utah and Utah Clean Energy, rallied over 80 individuals to comment on building codes to reduce emissions at the Uniform Building Code Commission. HEAL expects to see Building Code-related legislation during the 2023 Legislative Session and is working on strategizing to ensure sustainable and efficient codes are adopted.
Community Renewable Energy Program
HEAL assisted two dozen Utah communities served by Rocky Mountain Power in pursuing their 100% renewable energy goals through the Community Renewable Energy Program. So far, 18 Communities have signed on, and HEAL continues to work within this program.
Regional Haze Lawsuit
HEAL has Continued to pursue our legal challenge of the EPA’s Regional Haze ruling that gave Utah’s coal-fired power plants a pass. HEAL is challenging a Trump-era rule that let PacifiCorp avoid reducing CO2 emissions from its coal-fired power plants. The case is making its way through the courts. Learn more about Regional haze below.
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
Worked to convince Utah’s federal delegation members to support legislation that expands the timeframe and eligibility in the Radioactive Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for Downwinders. The changes in this legislation will ensure that individuals fighting serious health issues will receive the compensation they need to survive.
Risky Nuclear Energy Project
Led an advocacy campaign to convince 8 Utah cities to withdraw from participating in a risky proposed nuclear power project, reducing their support by over 50%. This victory for financial responsibility was made possible through a unique collaboration between HEAL Utah and the Utah Taxpayers Association. Our vigorous opposition to the so-called Carbon Free Power Project, has left the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) unlikely to complete the proposed project, which was downsized by nearly half last year.
Thank you!
Our passion for protecting our environment and its people is why we do what we do, but YOU are the how. Your ongoing support has allowed our team to grow from a small group of concerned citizens in Tooele to a community of over 20,000 individuals ready to tackle Utah’s biggest environmental challenges. We want to thank you for your support and hope you continue to help us reach our goal of protecting Utah’s environment and its people in 2023.Cheers!