It was depressing to start Labor Day weekend with unhealthy air. Utahns had been planning for weeks to enjoy outdoor recreation with family and friends but faced smoke-filled air. Fortunately, the wildfires are not an immediate threat to our homes, but many westerners face lives and property vulnerable to an increasing frequency and severity of wildfires due to our changing climate.

We can sit back and complain, or we can take action by contacting our members of Congress to urge them to put aside partisan politics and act to address the root cause of the problem. To pass climate policy, Congress needs to hear many different voices calling their offices. The non-partisan Citizens’ Climate Lobby supports policies to streamline Clean Energy Permitting Reform. Utah has tremendous potential to produce clean energy with wind, solar, and geothermal. Urge Rep. Blake Moore (801-834-5891) to support permitting reform.

Jean Lown

Logan

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