SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Clean air advocates are upset that Gov. Gary Herbert signed into law a measure that allows wood burning for cooking on even the worst air quality days.
Herbert signed the measure Friday despite the Utah Air Quality Board asking him to veto it. The board said it would negatively impact the state’s ability to meet federal air quality standards.
Herbert’s spokesman Paul Edwards said the measure doesn’t alter current practice and that the sponsor will make technical changes to ensure the rule isn’t too broad.
The air quality group HEAL Utah said Tuesday in a news release that Herbert’s decision sends a message that “deep pocketed businesses” can “gut” air quality policy.
Traeger Grills CEO Jeremy Andrus said in a statement he’s pleased the governor signed a measure that allows residents to decide how to feed their families.
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