(Salt Lake City, Utah)  Utah DEQ Executive Director Dianne Nielson today issued a call to action to Wasatch Front residents to help in the fight against summertime air pollution by parking their cars and using public transit at least one day each week.

Vehicle emissions generate over 50 percent of the air pollution along the Wasatch Front. By parking their vehicle for one day, the average driver would reduce air pollution by just over one-fourth of a pound. "That may not seem like much," said Nielson, "but if every driver parked his or her vehicle for one day per week, emissions along the Wasatch Front would decrease by 125 tons that week."

Nielson, a regular rider of public transit, acknowledged that parking the car seems a little less desirable in the July heat but pointed out that public transit provides a good alternative to get people where they’re going without a car and without adding to the pollution problem.

"The Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) public transit system is one of the best in the nation," Nielson said. "It is providing Utahns with a range of affordable, convenient and reliable transportation options, including commuter buses, city buses, van pools, TRAX and Paratransit for people with disabilities. Choose an option that works best for you."

Nielson said that she regularly rides TRAX and the bus to work. "Even though I drive a low-polluting car, by leaving my car at home, I’m not generating pollution, consuming pricey gasoline and contributing to congestion," Nielson said. "Plus, I work while I ride. I actually come out ahead by using public transit. And the environment comes out ahead, too."

According to Nielson, ozone is the primary air quality concern during the summer months because it damages the lungs and is harmful to everyone, not just the elderly, children and those with respiratory conditions. July and August are the worst months because of the hot, dry weather.

Nielson said now is the time to take action to help air quality and public transit is a good choice. "Park your car one day each week and take the bus or TRAX," said Nielson. "You will be pleasantly surprised at how convenient it is to use, and you’ll be protecting the environment, yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of air pollution."

"UTA is pleased to support the Department of Environmental Quality’s ‘Choose Clean Air’ campaign," said UTA General Manager John Inglish. "Preserving the environment is just one of the many benefits transit provides, and we can all play a role in helping air quality by taking transit one day each week."

For more information about air quality, please visit the "Choose Clean Air" Web site at www.cleanair.utah.gov. For more information about UTA services and schedules, log on to www.rideuta.com or call 1-888-RIDE-UTA.

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