OCR Text |
Show www.dailyutahchronide.com 5 OPINION Tuesday, September 6, 2011 Local action needed to fix toxic air StaffWriter W hen discussing air quality in Utah, an important question is who I would blame. Well, good reader, I'm pointing at you, because with our politicians apparently unconcerned with the air we breathe, the responsibility falls to us. On Friday, the Associated Press published a brief about the Obama administration's latest demonstration of cowardice. The brief said President Barack Obama "overruled the Environmental Protection Agency...to withdraw the proposed regulation to reduce concentrations of smog's main ingredient" in a short-sighted and desperate effort to boost economic job growth. Mild praise from House Speaker John Boehner followed Obama's decision, who claimed the move was "just the tip of the iceberg" in solving our nation's problems. A funny metaphor, or perhaps just insulting, when you consider tips of icebergs around the world are rapidly melting. The president received still more praise from Jack Gerard, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute. These are not the kind of men you want bending the president's ear if you are at all concerned about the environment you live in. I never expected Bushera legislation to extend into a third term, but here we are—selling off air to the most despicable kind of offenders known to Earth. Big oil isn't going anywhere. It's time to recognize that healthy air isn't coming from our political leaders. Suddenly I feel more and more like a giant prick for simply being there instead of getting arrested along with the rest of the Tim DeChristopher supporters and the Peaceful Uprising crowd at his sentencing date several weeks ago. Survivor's guilt maybe, but it's not getting any greener on this side of the penitentiary walls. We need change. Every winter, northern Utah consistently faces some of the worst air in the nation. Salt Lake County was in non-compliance with federal health standards for sulfur dioxide, according to a January 2010 report by the Utah Division of Air Quality. The health effects of ozone pollution are incredibly dangerous and little understood. "Ozone and particle pollution are the most widespread air pollutants— and among the most dangerous," according to The American Lung Association's website. "Recent research has revealed new insights into how they can harm the body—including taking the lives of infants and altering the lungs of children." The next time your eyes are red and itchy; your "seasonal cold" doesn't disappear after three to five days, but clings to your lungs for a desperate three to five weeks; your child collapses on the playground from over-exertion, shortness of breath and heavy wheezing; your 75-year-old next-door neighbor falls over from a sudden attack of emphysema while trying to bring you cookies—just remember that sweet, sobering promise of hope and change that rang loud and clear from Grant Park in Chicago in Fall 2008 is not going to clear the air. Salt Lake City and the U seem to be advancing the right kind of agenda, even if our democratic president feels he can't. Other local nonprofit organizations such as Breathe Utah and Utah Moms for Clean Air are playing their parts as well. Wednesday we can all join in. The Office of Sustainability is holding Bike to the U Day. Tables will be set up around the Union to raise awareness about sustainable ventures on campus and around the city. Please, partner with me and cyclists all around campus and ride your bike to school Wednesday to support the growing, ever-critical effort to clear our world's air. There's only so much time left to catch our breath. letters@ chronicle.utah.edu WILLUS BRANHAM/The Daily Utah Chronicle MUSS Bus still a bargain Fan support widely broadcasts Utah pride L ast November a couple dozen MUSS members paid the bargain price of $ioo to take the MUSS Bus to San Diego and see the football team beat San Diego State. Three buses will be taking members to Los Angeles this weekend for the football tilt against USC, but some students have balked at the new $250 price, leaving half a bus worth of seats unsold. Students should know that although the price increase is unfortunate, the trip is still a bargain considering not just what is included, but the unique way it allows us to represent the U. The week that tuition is due is, frankly, a terrible time to be spending $250 on a sporting event. "At the beginning of the year when I have to buy textbooks and everything, I don't have extra money to spend," said Jorge Pille, a senior in mass communication who went on last year's MUSS trip. "Even though it's a Pac-12 game, I wish it wasn't that much more expensive. It definitely discouraged me from going." Despite the more high-profile opponent of this year's game, and the historic occasion of the inaugural Pac-12 game, as of last Friday, many seats remained unsold after being on sale for more than three weeks. Last year, most tickets sold within a day. John Fackler, director of Outreach and JAKE GARFIELD StaffWriter Business for the Alumni Association, which sponsors the MUSS Bus, understands that cost might be prohibitive to many students. He said increased prices are simply part of the reality that comes with the U's new high-profile conference. "Certainly a lot of things in the Pac-12 are going to cost more, ticket prices being one of them." he said. In addition to tickets, hotels, tailgating and buses are also more expensive, especially earlier in the season, Fackler said. Unfortunately, fans will have to spend accordingly. Registration for the bus closed today at 8 a.m., unfortunate for students who failed to recognize the benefits the trip presented. "It's still a tremendous value. You're not going to be able to do it for that price any other way," Fackler said. Besides transportation, the price includes two nights in a Marriott Courtyard hotel letters@ chronicle.utah.edu • INTERNS AND DJs WANTED! Gain Experience Meet New People Speak Your Mind apply online today @ kuteradio.com .dailyutahchronicle. co M only minutes away from Venice Beach and a pregame tailgating buffet. I had a fantastic time on the trip last year, despite staying in a remote motel crammed next to a freeway, far from virtually all of San Diego's sites. The $ioo was a steal, but $250 is still very reasonable. Beyond the context of a sporting event, this year's MUSS Bus could be a great PR opportunity for the U itself. Unlike the scanty crowd at the SDSU game last year, this year's game will be seen in-person by tens of thousands of Californians, and will have more TV exposure on Versus, as opposed to coverage on The Mtn last year's game received. Although a fanbase only says so much about a university, the MUSS can shine a positive light on the U by displaying students who have enough pride in their school that they are willing to sacrifice their time and money to show their support. The price increase is a huge bummer, but it's the new reality that Ute fans face. The MUSS trip is a rare opportunity to unite with fellow students of all stripes, representing our school to people outside the state. The rise in cost should not have deterred so many of us. SEARCH FOR KUTE ON THE MOBILE APP tunein RADIO =i3 ■ •110/ |