This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utahns will soon be able to comment on plans for new limits on pollution-causing fumes from household cleaners and other liquids, gels and creams.
The Utah Air Quality Board last week approved plans to send out the consumer products proposal for 30 days of public comment beginning March 1.
Part of a sweeping all-of-the-above strategy to cut pollution in northern Utah valleys, the restrictions would limit what can be sold in Utah to lower-fume formulations already sold in 38 states. They are part of a multi-dimensional strategy to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to Utah's summer ozone problems and winter PM2.5 episodes.
If the regulation is enacted, consumers will still be able to buy all of the hair gels, window cleaners, paint thinners and other products they already use. Beginning in 2014, the low-fume formulations would reduce VOC emissions by about 4,000 tons per year in the northern Utah communities with serious pollution problems, state regulators estimate.
The Air Quality Board also proposed a regulation for lower-fume adhesives and sealants that will trim about 565 tons of VOCs.
In addition, the panel finalized regulations to reduce exhaust from commercial charbroilers and to ban the future sale and resale of outdoor wood boilers, another source of pollution-causing exhaust.
Provo attorney David Leavitt urged the air quality board not to adopt the outdoor wood boiler regulation, saying it would impinge on his rights and add to his heating costs. A former congressional candidate, Juab County attorney and polygamy prosecutor, he also challenged the board's ability to enact and enforce the regulation.
But the board enacted the regulations over his objections.
"There are some major consequences we need to pay attention to in terms of our population," explained board member Robert Paine.
To comment on the proposed rules between March 1 and April 1, go to http://1.usa.gov/YKtrnY. Also, a public hearing is set for March 13.
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O To comment on the proposed rules between March 1 and April 1, go to 1.usa.gov/YKtrnY. Also, a public hearing is set for March 13.