Let's clean up Utah's Air.

• Author: Francom, Sarah Ryther
• Position: From the Editor - Editorial

We launched the Sustainable Business Awards program five years ago to celebrate the businesses, communities and individuals who are making real strides toward reducing their economic footprint, and year after year we are amazed at the accomplishments we see. This year's group of Sustainable Business Award winners is another shining example of how seemingly small efforts can have huge impacts, and we applaud their green efforts. Read about our 2013 Sustainable Business Award winners on page 76.

As winter approaches, there's much for snow-loving Utahns to look forward to. But, unfortunately, there's also the reality of the dreaded gray skies that winter often means. Utah's inversion isn't just a serious health problem--it's also a major hurdle to the state's economic development efforts. In a recent interview with EDCUtah CEO Jeff Edwards, he explained that Utah's air quality is, in fact, one of the most pressing economic development issues that must be dealt with. "It's gotten to the point where we have people who are choosing not to live here because of it," he said. You can read that interview with Edwards in our Oct. issue or on utahbusiness.com.

To work toward finding a solution, Gov. Gary Herbert recently announced the Clean Air Action Team. Launched on Oct. 13, the team has been tasked to develop recommendations to improve the state's air quality Envision Utah, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating and sustaining community development, is leading the action team's efforts. I recently spoke to Envision Utah CEO Robert Grow about the program and its goals.

According to Grow, the Clean Air Action Team's mission is simple: "To explore short-, medium- and long-term solutions for individuals, businesses and communities with the goal of improving our air...