It's August already? Julying! You can look forward to the O2 PUNCHLIST the first week of each month. This newsletter gives us an opportunity to keep you in the know with both our work and our community. None of this would be possible without your support, so we want to give you the inside scoop every month.
Did you know we have a PAC? That’s right, we’re using the corporate playbook against those who benefit from inaction on air quality.
We’re already getting involved where it counts, when it counts—in local elections. Now, with the power of the Fresh Air PAC, we can offer additional support to candidates who are committed to a clean, breathable air.
Help strengthen a powerful tool to amplify your voice in the fight for a healthier environment.
Thank you to everyone who has made it out to our group events this summer. We always have a blast bringing this community together to enjoy fun, outdoor adventures.
If you haven’t had the chance to make it out yet, don’t worry. We’re just getting started. Read on for invites to upcoming group events!
For those of you who are new here, we do a biweekly interview series/podcast called O2 & You! Our Executive Director and host, David Garbett, meets with voices from both environmental and political spaces. We've had on some pretty incredible guests over this past year, and we invite you to get caught up! Each episode is presented as a Facebook Live event, but if you're unable to join you can access all episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
UPCOMING GUESTS
Our shrinking Great Salt Lake and its outsized impact on air quality and wildlife has grabbed nationwide attention. We’re working on lineup of expert voices for a GSL themed August. Stay tuned!
LAST MONTH GUEST RECAP
In July, we passed the mic to the experts. We dove into the good, the bad, and the ugly, with topics ranging from SCOTUS rulings to what we’re really breathing in on bad air days. Here’s what you missed:
7/13 | O2 & You! feat. Dr. Juliet Carlisle, a Professor of Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Chair of the Political Science Department at the University of Utah. Together, Professor Carlisle and David discussed the recent SCOTUS ruling in West Virginia v. EPA and what it means for climate policy.
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7/27 | O2 & You! feat. Dr. Steven Brown, a Research Chemist at NOAA Chemical Sciences Laboratory. Together, Steven and David discussed his research and the chemistry behind our air quality problems here in Utah.
Each month, you're invited to come hang with the the o2 Utah team! We have a busy year ahead of us, but continuing to engage with this community is at the top of our list.
Grab a friend or come meet new ones this summer at one of our outdoor group activities! If you like to hike or bike, join us for Twin Peaks Tuesdays and Bikes & Brews!
We'll see you soon!
We're enacting change with bold environmental policy. Each month, we want to keep you updated on our policy development: what we're focussing on, facts to help connect the dots, and progress on o2 Utah policy.
Building Codes
Throughout July we continued to engage with the Uniform Building Code Commission and public voices on our strong urge to adopt updated energy efficiency standards within the Utah building code. Area sources (i.e. homes and buildings) are one of the largest contributors to our air quality issue here on the Wasatch Front and need to be addressed as our population and demand for buildings continues to grow!
On August 10th at 9:00 am, the Uniform Building Code Commission will hear from public voices ahead of making their formal recommendations to the legislature regarding adoption of the 2021 updates to the building code, which are due to the legislature in September. To prepare for that public comment period,
o2 Utah has joined together with Utah Clean Energy and HEAL Utah to provide a series of workshops on the importance of adopting the 2021 international energy conservation code as well as how to provide compelling public comment.
If you are interested in attending this meeting or would like to provide public comment, please reach out and let us know!
Washington DC IRA Bill (and the good it will do)
We have kept our eyes on Washington as the Inflation Reduction Act continues to be negotiated and (fingers crossed) voted on. Within the legislation lies ample funding opportunities to clean up our transportation, buildings, and energy sources. We look forward to seeing this bill pass and working alongside the legislature to ensure that Utah benefits from this program.
Community Renewable Energy
With your support, we saw all 18 communities re-certify their commitment to the community renewable energy program and submit their second payment! This payment is currently being used to perform a study and ensure that the community renewable energy program works for each of these communities. We look forward to seeing that study be produced and will continue to advocate for community-based renewable energy as we know that it is the most equitable solution to addressing renewable energy access.
Looking Forward
On August 16th and 17th, the Utah legislature will return for their interim session. We look forward to continuing conversations on Prosperity 2030 and the importance of reducing emissions across the Wasatch Front.
If your last two years were anything like ours, you blew through just about every show, book, podcast, and playlist—leaving you searching for something new. Worry not, we've got you! Every month, you can look forward to recommendations for listening, watching, and reading from our team.
WHAT DAVID IS LOOKING AT
Images from the James Webb Space Telescope
"These are so cool, you have to check them out if you haven't yet!"
WHAT ELIZA IS RECOMMENDING
Get Outside! | Little Cottonwood Canyon
"Go check out the wildflowers in Little Cottonwood Canyon!"
WHAT MARCUS IS WATCHING
Series | Stranger Things (Season 4)
"It's good! You should watch it!"
WHAT TRAVIS IS READING
Book | "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall
"I’m training for my first set of ultra-marathons this fall and many friends convinced me to read this for extra inspiration. It’s a must read for any runner or anyone looking to get inspired to run more!"
WHAT BELLA IS WATCHINGSeries | Love Island UK (Season 8)
"Everyone's favorite guilty pleasure, innit?"
WHAT GREG IS READING
Book | "Wild Edible Plants of Utah by Charles W. Kane
"This book fits right in the brain of your backpack and brings a new element to exploring Utah's backcountry. Get to camp early and feel like checking out the area? Grab this book and learn about what you can get from the land and make for dinner."
WHAT BRONTI IS SNACKING ON
Snack | Homegrown Tomatoes
"Because there isn't anything much better in the summer, except maybe watermelon."
Thank you for being in our corner. We'll see you next month!
