MEDIA ADVISORY OFFICE of the MAYOR  |  RALPH BECKER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 19, 2012
Contact: Kate Lilja Lohnes
801-535-7755

City Encourages Utahns to Take 2012 Clear the Air Challenge

Leaders across the state promote proactive and personal approach to clearing the air

SALT LAKE CITY –Mayor Ralph Becker, Gov. Gary Herbert and other community leaders will kick off the 2012 Clear the Air Challenge on Saturday, July 21 at Hogle Zoo, 2600 Sunnyside Ave. The Challenge will run from August 1-31 and focus on encouraging residents statewide to “Drive Less, Drive Smarter” to help improve air quality.

“The Clear the Air Challenge has become an annual demonstration of the commitment we are making together to change our travel  habits to have a positive impact on air quality,” said Mayor Becker. “Since the Challenge began in 2009, we have saved over 3.6 million vehicle miles and engaged nearly 9,000 Utahns. With the fourth annual Challenge this August, we hope to make this our best year yet.”

This year the Clear the Air Challenge is reaching well  beyond Salt Lake County, with close partnerships in place to engage leaders and residents in Utah County, Weber  County and Southern Utah. Provo Mayor John Curtis, Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell, St. George Mayor Daniel McArthur and Washington City Mayor Ken Neilson have all  signed on and will be participating this summer.

Gov. Herbert and Mayor Becker will be joined at Hogle Zoo by Rachael Herrscher, co-founder, CEO and publisher of Today’s Mama, and over 75 lifestyle bloggers and their families. The event emphasizes the importance of everyone taking action daily to reduce vehicle trips and displays the commitment of Utah’s families to ensure their community is a healthy and thriving place for future generations.

“Reducing emissions starts with each of us,” said Gov. Herbert. “Individuals coming together to drive smarter and pollute less has a tremendous impact on our environment. This is a great way for Utah residents to take ownership of Utah’s air quality.”

The nationally recognized Clear the Air Challenge was the product of a 2009 Salt Lake Solutions project bringing together then-Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon to spearhead a community-based effort to mobilize businesses,organizations and individuals to take personal action toward improving the air quality in Utah.

More information and Challenge registration are available at www.ClearTheAirChallenge.org.

WHAT:        2012 Clear the Air Challenge Kick-Off

WHO:           Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker

                           Utah Governor Gary Herbert

                           Today’s Mama Chief Executive Officer Rachael Herrscher

WHEN:        Saturday, July 21

                           10 a.m.

WHERE:   Utah’s Hogle Zoo

                           Seal Amphitheater, Rocky Shores Exhibit

                           2600 Sunnyside Ave.

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