HEAL’s Statement on Environmental Justice and Current Times​

The recent federal attacks on environmental justice and climate work have sent shock waves through our community. Since January 2025, nearly $2.4 billion in federal funding for environmental justice programs has been slashed, tax-exempt status is at risk for nonprofits who support environmental justice work, and locally the Utah Legislature has made clear its desire to reduce environmental protections and regulations. 

In these uncertain times, the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL) remains committed to serving all Utahns. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of zip code, income, or race, deserves clean air, an equitable energy system, a future free from radioactive and toxic threats, and a healthy environment. Put simply, environmental justice is at the heart of everything we do and has been for the last 26 years. Now more than ever, it guides our work, shapes our campaigns, and drives our commitment to building a more just and resilient Utah. Here are the steps we are taking to advance environmental justice throughout Utah. 

1. Protecting Communities from Air Pollution – Emissions from industry, buildings, natural sources, and vehicles all contribute to Utah’s air pollution. To lower these emissions, HEAL works to make public transit and active transportation accessible for everyone by prioritizing fare affordability and pedestrian safety. We previously helped launch programs to make UTA services free on poor air quality days. Now, we’re advocating for a revamped free fare program ahead of the 2034 Olympics. HEAL also helped install mobile air quality monitors on electric buses in Salt Lake City that allow community members to see real time, local data, and we are exploring ways to expand the program. Additionally, we are collecting data through our community-driven walk audits to inform Salt Lake City’s West-East Connections Study and improve mobility.

2. Advocating for Equitable Energy – We fight to ensure that our energy system benefits all by promoting renewable energy policies that prioritize affordability, accountability, and community benefit. Since its passage in 2018, HEAL has been a part of the Utah Renewable Communities’ effort to design a 100% net-renewable energy program by 2030. Today, we continue to stand with local communities as they decide their energy future and provide objective, evidence-based information on the potential risks and benefits of all energy paths.  

3. Protecting Communities from Radioactive and Toxic Threats – HEAL has a long legacy of fighting toxic exposures in our communities, and we continue to oppose the expansion of radioactive waste dumping in Utah. When risky industry proposals or legislation arise, we notify impacted communities, and provide technical and public comments that prioritize community health. We fight to reauthorize and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to provide justice for Utah’s Downwinders and Uranium Workers. As the Great Salt Lake dries up, we ensure that community members are informed of the health risks of dust exposure, and we helped secure $275,000 in state funding for PM10 monitors around the lake.

Through these campaigns, HEAL works in deep collaboration with impacted communities, grassroots leaders, and statewide allies to ensure that environmental solutions are not only effective, but equitable. We are committed to an environmental justice movement that uplifts all Utahns and creates a future where health, safety, and sustainability are rights shared by everyone. By advocating for stronger safeguards, community-led planning, and climate-resilient infrastructure, we help build long-term protections for those most at risk. HEAL Utah remains committed to this work now and in the future, and we hope that you will join us in this fight.

Signed, 

The HEAL Team