About UCAIR

UCAIR is a statewide clean air partnership created to make it easier for individuals, businesses and communities to make small changes to improve Utah’s air. Every small change adds to a collective bigger step toward better health, a better economy and better overall quality of life for all of us.

What We Do

UCAIR is not an advocacy organization and, by policy, is prohibited from engaging in lobbying or attempting to influence legislation. While UCAIR recognizes that partner organizations may choose to participate in such activities, UCAIR will maintain its commitment to this policy independently of any partnership. We will support our partners’ efforts where possible, provided that such support does not conflict with the guidelines that govern our work.

Educate

The first step to changing behavior is understanding. That’s why UCAIR focuses on education, explaining why air quality matters in Utah and sharing practical actions you can take each day to help make a collective difference.

Provide Grants

UCAIR doesn’t just ask people to make changes; it helps make them possible. UCAIR’s Grants program helps organizations with creative and innovative ideas reach measurable emissions reductions.

Partner

Utah is home to a strong network of organizations committed to improving air quality. UCAIR’s goal is to provide a common table where partners can come together to combine their strengths, align messaging, share data, and coordinate efforts for greater statewide impact.

Invite Participation

While UCAIR works closely with partner organizations, it also actively involves Utah residents statewide in efforts to improve air quality, including developing and implementing technical solutions.

Why We Do It

Commitments made by individuals to reduce emissions are a critical component of UCAIR’s success and are intended to supplement, not replace, existing regulatory measures. Across Utah, there is broad agreement that clean air matters. Through education, awareness, and support, UCAIR champions a simple principle: by working together, we can make a difference. Even small actions and behavior changes help improve air quality and make it easier for everyone in Utah to breathe a little easier.

Utah’s Unique Geography and Weather Patterns Create Challenges

Air quality is a significant concern for Utah residents. The state’s topography and climate lead to episodic air pollution during the winter and summer months. Seasonal temperature inversions trap emissions that form particulate matter and ozone. Complex chemical processes create these harmful pollutants, which often rise to unhealthy levels, posing public health risks, economic consequences and decreased quality of life.

Some Utah Areas Don’t Meet EPA Standards for Air Quality

Areas along the Wasatch Front are designated nonattainment areas for fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, and ozone by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Substandard Air Quality Poses Health Risks

Pollution levels exceeding EPA health standards create health risks, particularly for children, older adults and people with respiratory problems.

Substandard Air Quality Hinders Economic Growth

Poor air quality hinders corporate relocation efforts and increases costs for businesses, including health care costs. Good air quality is essential to maintaining Utah’s quality of life.

Government Regulations Are Not Enough

Government agencies continue to regulate what they can to improve air quality but the majority of emissions in Utah come from sources that are difficult to regulate — vehicles, homes and small businesses. Reducing these emissions sources is dependent on small measures that individuals choose to take.

UCAIR Staff

Lindsie Smith
Executive Director
Email
Andrea Doubek
Communications & Development Manager
Email
Mallory DiazVela
UCAIR Program & Grants Manager
Email
Olivia Niitsuma
UCAIR Office Manager
Email

UCAIR Board of Directors

UCAIR is guided by an Executive Director and Board of Directors made up of representatives from a broad spectrum of interests. This diverse Board includes the following individuals: 
 
Davis Bell, Canopy Tax, Inc., Chair 
Kristina Brown, Chevron, Chair Elect
Thomas Morgan, Zions Bank, Treasurer
Jorgan Hofeling, Enbridge, Secretary
Jon Cox, Utah Public Affairs
Tim Davis, Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Sophia DiCaro, Governor’s Office of Budget and Planning
Cameron Diehl, Utah League of Cities & Towns
Jenny Esker Evans, Rio Tinto Kennecott
Stephanie Frohman, Institute for Land, Air and Water
Seth Lyman, PhD, Utah State University Bingham Research Center

For media inquiries contact Kylee Spjut – email or (801) 487-4800 or Andrea Doubek – email or (801) 536-4051.

Governing Documents

Non-Profit Documentation
UCAIR Bylaws
UCAIR Conflict of Interest Policy