Business, government, and community leaders have come together to issue the Clear the Air Challenge, a month-long competition starting on July 1 that encourages Utah residents to choose alternatives to driving alone in order to reduce vehicle emissions. The Clear the Air Challenge, a partnership between the Salt Lake Chamber, TravelWise, and UCAIR, aims to address the significant contribution of transportation emissions to Utah's air pollution problem.
According to studies, approximately half of Utah's detrimental air quality can be attributed to emissions generated by transportation. In an effort to combat this issue, the Clear the Air Challenge serves as an incentive for Utahns to adopt smarter driving practices, with the goal of safeguarding the environment, boosting the economy, and enhancing overall quality of life.
Participants in the Clear the Air Challenge are encouraged to employ TravelWise strategies, which include telecommuting or remote working, carpooling or vanpooling, utilizing public transportation, trip chaining, and opting for walking, biking, or using a scooter as alternative means of transportation. By incorporating these strategies into their daily routines, participants can minimize emissions and contribute to the improvement of air quality in the region.
Since its inception in 2009, the Clear the Air Challenge has made a significant impact on Utah's air quality. Participants have collectively eliminated over 1.3 million trips, resulting in a reduction of more than 6,700 tons of emissions. Additionally, participants have saved a total of 20 million miles of driving, equating to $8.5 million in savings.
