In this Issue:
- Env. Bills Await Gov's Pen
- Budget Updates
- DEQ Secretary Saves Man
- DEQ Helping with Discarded Pills
- Frontrunner arrives in April
- Calendar of Events
Newsletter Links:
Sponsored by the
Utah Department of
Environmental Quality
In this Issue:
Newsletter Links:
Sponsored by the
Utah Department of
Environmental Quality
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be able to make strides to improve the air quality in Utah, thanks to an additional $2 million annual appropriation lawmakers approved by the end of the 2008 Session.
“We’re very pleased,” said Rick Sprott, executive director of DEQ. “The Legislature recognized the need for additional money to address the air quality concerns.”
In addition to the $2 million increase for the Division of Air Quality (DAQ), another $200,000 was provided for the 2008-09 fiscal year, which begins July 1, to help kick-start the process of planning for tougher air quality rules.
The Legislature also allocated $100,000 to DAQ to purchase a much-needed dry deposition mercury monitor that will help track the mercury emissions. Mercury is a toxic chemical that builds up in the environment, especially in fish, and can cause brain damage. The risk has prompted the state to issue fish consumption advisories for certain species of fish at various rivers and lakes throughout the state. For more information on fish advisories, visit: http://www.fishadvisories.utah.gov.
Nearly all DEQ’s funding request was approved, with the exception of $62,000 in ongoing General Fund money to help the Division of Water Quality conduct more fish sampling and analysis to help identify the mercury “hot spots.” Water Quality plans to continue testing but may have to reprioritize its budget to do so.
The Division of Drinking Water was given a $450,000 pool of money to match with grants to help resolve a long-standing drinking water issue with Antimony and pay for a much-needed treatment system.
State employees also can expect a 5 percent jump in pay. The Legislature approved a compensation package that provides state employees with a basic cost of living adjustment. But employees may be persuaded to switch to lower-cost insurance plans because of a substantial increase in premium payments under the preferred care plan provided by the Public Employees Health Plan.