Smog Lake City: The Science of Inversions and Plan to Clean Utah’s Air

The inversion has reared its ugly head and blanketed the Wasatch Front, trapping the valley in a bowl of pollution.

Why is Salt Lake City prone to inversions? What are we trapping beneath it? And how do we clean it up?

Read our latest blog post to learn more about the science behind this unwanted haze, the chemistry that supercharges the smog, and O₂ Utah’s plan for the Legislature to address our air. 

Election Update

Thank you to everyone who voted in this year’s municipal general election and participated in the campaign process through canvassing, phone banking, or any other means.

Congratulations to our O₂ Utah-endorsed candidates for winning their respective races, including Aaron Dekeyzer (Sandy City Council), Dan Dugan (Salt Lake City Council, D6), Dave Graf (Ogden City Council, D4), Adam Hock (Murray City Council, D5), Cheri Jackson (Millcreek City Council, D3), Ted Knowlton (North Salt Lake City Council), Natalie Pinkney (South Salt Lake City Council), and Drew Quinn (Holladay City Council, D4).

Unfortunately, some excellent environmentalists were not elected, but we are proud and grateful for all of the candidates we were able to work with and thank everyone for their hard work.

Give Clean Air

With New Year's around the corner, O₂ Utah’s year-end fundraising campaign is in full swing. Unfortunately, so is our inversion.

The ongoing inversion is a stark reminder of the challenges we must tackle together. Your generous donations go directly to our time working with policymakers to reduce emissions and clear the air.

Coming off a successful municipal election cycle, we can’t wait to carry that momentum into the 2024 legislative session and pass more of Prosperity 2030 into law. A 50% reduction in emissions is attainable, thanks to your support. 

Grassroots donors like you are the backbone of our organization. As you plan your end-of-year giving, please consider a gift (and toggle that ‘Make it monthly!’ button) to O₂ Utah and join us in our mission for clean air across the Wasatch Front.

O₂ & You Podcast

Take a deeper dive into the science of Salt Lake City's inversion problems.

Marcus Trail joined the O₂ & You Podcast to discuss his expertise in air quality modeling, the difference between our winter- and summer-time pollution, the science behind wildfire pollution, and more.

Marcus holds a doctorate of philosophy in environmental engineering and is a member of the O₂ Utah Foundation Board.

Hosted by O₂ Utah executive director David Garbett, the O₂ & You Podcast brings you engaging conversations on Utah politics, air quality, environment, and more.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts and be sure to subscribe to get all of the new episodes!

O₂ Utah is an environmental nonprofit whose mission is to clean our state's air and eliminate our contributions to climate change through elections and policy. Donate Today to support our work and clean Utah's air.