This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A class of 29 sixth-graders at East Millcreek's Morningside Elementary hopes to send a message to Utah drivers -- by way of the state Legislature -- to shut off their cars when waiting in line.
Their anti-idling campaign is in full swing, with banners, buttons, signs and a student-produced video urging folks to "turn your key, be idle free." And even though these kids are still too young to vote, they intend to have a voice on Capitol Hill this legislative season. State lawmakers commence their 45-day session on Jan. 25.
Rep. Carol Moss, D-Holladay, is sponsoring the students' nonbinding resolution on clean air. While visiting their classroom Wednesday, Moss commended the group for engaging in the public process on an issue that affects everyone. "I hope you feel good about what you're doing," Moss said. "You can make a difference."
In teacher Patti White's mind, that's the value of education in a nutshell.
"They know now that if they don't like their air quality," White said, "they can take steps toward actually doing something about it."
The fruit of White's "Team HOPE" -- Helping Our Planet Earth -- is already starting to sprout.
"I'm not sure if it's a direct effect of what we're doing," said one boy. "But just two days ago, no one in the entire line of cars [at school] was idling."
Several of White's students have asthma. And all Morningside pupils must forgo recess when the air quality is bad. Utah topped the charts this week for the worst air in the nation, driving the kids inside until the Wasatch Front inversion clears.
The students -- some of them future state officeholders, perhaps -- peppered their draft resolution with facts about the damaging effects of engine-idling on health, the air and yes, the vehicles themselves. Moss said she will need the group's support during upcoming committee and floor discussions on the resolution.
"And it's important that you send an e-mail or letter to your representatives," Moss said. "That's called lobbying for a bill."
Robin Erickson, director of Utah Clean Cities, was also on hand Wednesday to applaud the kid-powered effort.
"This resolution climaxes everything we've been working on," Erickson said, citing anti-idling ordinances in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Provo and Ogden as precursors. "This will take it statewide," Erickson said. "People are finally ready to listen when you have the worst air quality in the nation."
» Reducing idling and the associated air pollution would save money and fuel, reduce dependence on foreign sources of fuel, secure health benefits, protect the environment and improve quality of life in Utah.
» As a general rule, excessive idling refers to passenger vehicles that sit for more than 10 to 15 seconds with their engines running.
Source: Patti White's sixth-grade class at Morningside Elementary
» Reducing idling and the associated air pollution would save money and fuel, reduce dependence on foreign sources of fuel, secure health benefits, protect the environment and improve quality of life in Utah.
» As a general rule, excessive idling refers to passenger vehicles that sit for more than 10 to 15 seconds with their engines running
Source: Patti White's sixth-grade class at Morningside Elementary
The Morningside students have aluminum anti-idling signs for sale for $50 each. They can be posted at businesses, drive-throughs and anywhere motorists are likely to spend time in line.
For more information, e-mail Patti White at pwhite@graniteschools.org
For more information, e-mail Patti White at pwhite@graniteschools.org