Public News Service

The Washington County Water Conservancy District in Utah pays property owners a rebate of $2 for each square foot of grass up to 5,000 square feet, and $1 per square foot for more than 5,000 square feet that are removed and replaced with water-efficient landscaping. (Adobe Stock)

One Utah county looks to buy lawns to save water, residents' money

By Morgan Sjogren for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Utah News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Some 55% of Utah's municipal officials say they see community opposition as one of the top obstacles to increasing the amount of affordable housing in their area. (Aisyaqilumar/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report outlines 'perceived barriers' to UT affordable housing

The Utah Foundation polled municipal officials across the state to gain their insights into affordable housing. The report found many officials feel …

The Washington County Water Conservancy District's Quail Creek water treatment plant is currently capable of treating 60 million gallons of water per day. (Adobe Stock)

One UT county receives federal funds for water reuse project

As water scarcity affects states across the West, a Utah community is getting funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help support its water …

Mayor Lenise Peterman spoke with a participant at the Coal Country at a Crossroads Listening Session. (United Today, Stronger Tomorrow)

Utah mayor calls for more federal dollars for rural communities

Federal and agency officials convened with stakeholders in Southeastern Utah to discuss how federal funds can help grow and strengthen local economies…

Utah has invested significantly in transportation over the last 30 years, and these investments will need to continue, according to a Guiding Our Growth survey. (Adobe Stock)

Group advocates for better transit options in rural Utah

A coalition of Utah stakeholders is launching the "Campaign for Public Transit in the 435," which will aim to bring better forms of transit to those w…

Salt Lake City is one of five markets identified as resilient and in a position for new growth, according to the commercial real estate firm CBRE. (Adobe Stock)

Tech scene grows in states like Utah, but not without challenges

A new report showed the share of tech jobs in what are known as "superstar" cities such as the Bay Area, Boston, Los Angeles and New York has dipped …

Road traffic collisions are a leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 54 in the U.S. The year 2020 was the deadliest year for pedestrians in 40 years. (Adobe Stock)

Can narrower roads save lives and help the environment?

A new study sheds light on the importance of street design, especially as it relates to traffic and pedestrian safety. In Utah, from 2019 to 2022…

Last year there were 4,900 reported collisions with deer, 166 with elk and 20 with moose. The actual collision number is likely twice as high, though, as many incidents go unreported, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. (Adobe Stock)

Utah allocates funds to build more wildlife crossings

Budget legislation was signed into law in Utah this week that includes $20 million for building wildlife crossing infrastructure. Utah joins other …

There were 626 trespass-related fatalities and almost 550 trespass injuries across the country in 2022, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: People underestimate railroad collision risks

Utah saw 13 railroad-crossing collisions that included three fatalities in 2020, according to the most recent data available from the Federal …

The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah Clean Air Partnership and TravelWise are the groups behind the Clear the Air challenge, an attempt to curb pollution and improve air quality statewide. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Kicks Off 2023 'Clear the Air' Challenge

The 14th annual Clear the Air Challenge in Utah begins July 1. The month-long challenge is designed to encourage Utahns to reduce their vehicle …

According to Consumer Reports, 71% of Americans express some level of interest in buying or leasing an all-electric car. (Adobe Stock)

New EPA Rule Could Mean 2 out of 3 Cars is Electric by 2032

The Environmental Protection Agency announced last month new and more stringent vehicle emission standards, which some say could significantly help …

Cottonwood Heights, Utah, became a city in 2005. (Adobe Stock)

UT Mayor Talks Housing, Infrastructure Challenges at National Conference

Mike Weichers, mayor of Cottonwood Heights, is one of the Utah city leaders at The National League of Cities' Congressional City Conference being …

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Department of Transportation studies have shown a 90% reduction in wildlife-vehicle collisions when there is a crossing structure or fence in an area. (Adobe Stock)

Utah Approves $20 Million for Wildlife Crossings

Some $20 million of Utah's whopping $29 billion state budget will be spent on building wildlife crossings and fences across the state in an effort to …

According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the state's Wildlife Migration Initiative has tracked almost 10,000 animals. (Utah DWR)

UT Pitches In to Help with Wildlife Migration

Two state agencies have teamed up to make safer wildlife migration a priority in Utah. The Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative relies heavily on GPS …

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, a network of 500,000 electric-vehicle charging stations will be built over the next decade. (trekandphoto/Adobe Stock))

Groups to Build EV Charging Stations Across Rural Utah, Western States

Electric vehicles (EVs) are an economical and environmentally friendly way to get from Point A to Point B, but the lack of charging stations often …

Under President Joe Biden's infrastructure program, thousands of new workers would be needed to improve bridges and roadways, repair water and wastewater systems and build a clean-energy economy. (denklim/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Biden Climate Summit Could Bring Jobs, Infrastructure to Utah, U.S.

SALT LAKE CITY -- When President Joe Biden hosts a virtual summit on Earth Day, he's not only seeking to engage world powers on environmental issues…

Utah has about a 35,000-unit housing deficit, after years of population growth has outpaced development of apartments and small to mid-size houses. (utah.gov)

Utah Legislature Urged to Prioritize Affordable Housing

SALT LAKE CITY -- Religious leaders, local nonprofits and lawmakers are urging the Utah Legislature to restore funding for affordable housing to pre-…

Crossroads Urban Center says more than half of all Salt Lake City residents don't make enough to afford renting an average-priced, two-bedroom house or apartment. (Nate Bolt/Flickr)

Affordable Housing Advocates: Utah Policymakers Can Do More

SALT LAKE CITY – The cost of buying or renting a home in Utah has been on the rise for years. Now, affordable-housing advocates say state …

Habitat loss is thought to be one of the biggest factors behind declining desert tortoise populations. (BLM/Flickr)

Land Bill Threatens Tortoise Habitat, Environmental Groups Say

ST. GEORGE, Utah – Congressman Chris Stewart, R-Utah, has introduced a bill to allow for a new road to be built to accommodate growth near St…

A new study shows that local governments are better positioned to connect traditionally underserved communities to broadband internet. (Pixabay)

Group Recommends Locally Controlled Broadband for Consumer Privacy

SALT LAKE CITY – As Congress considers remedies for large-scale privacy breaches by Cambridge Analytica and Facebook, a recent report suggests …

A new AARP website scores livability using more than 60 factors, including safe streets and walkability. (Pixabay)

New Web Tool Calculates Community "Livability" Score

SALT LAKE CITY – How livable is your community compared with others? How well does your community meet your needs, regardless of age or income? …

A new study says automobiles are so much cleaner than 100 years ago that household cleaning agents, perfumes and paints are taking over the top spot for urban air pollution. (Pixabay)

Researchers Find Indoor Pollution on Par with Auto Emissions

SALT LAKE CITY – Because cars are now dramatically cleaner than they used to be, products such as skin lotions and indoor cleaners are becoming …

Drivers may be distracted while picking up holiday gifts, making for a potentially dangerous scene. (Pixabay)

Extra Caution Urged in Parking Lots This Shopping Season

SALT LAKE CITY – Although the search for the perfect gift at the mall can be vicious during the holiday season, the parking lot outside the …

Experts say President Trump's emphasis on coal could distract from updating the nation's 100-year-old power grid to protect against climate change and cyber attacks. (Pixabay)

Trump's Climate Policies Could Impact National Security

SALT LAKE CITY – National-security experts say President Trump's attempts to roll back efforts to slow global climate change could make the coun…

Critics claim President Trump's plan for investing $1 trillion to rebuild the nation's roads and bridges could bypass rural areas. (Pixabay)

President's Infrastructure Plan Could Detour Around Rural America

SALT LAKE CITY - During his address to Congress on Tuesday, President Trump called for $1 trillion in public and private investment to rebuild the …

A new study provides stark evidence on how money shapes U.S. elections. (Pixabay)<br />

Report: Stark New Evidence on Role of Money in Congressional Races

SALT LAKE CITY – As public outrage over the influence of money in politics continues to grow – seen in both the Bernie Sanders and Donald …

Environmentalists and others are fighting a plan to ship coal mined in Utah by rail to Oakland for international export. (traveler1116/iStockphoto)

Coal Port Investment Plan Stirs Controversy in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY - A $53 million plan for Utah to buy a share of a coal-export facility in California is sparking controversy over both funding for the…

A proposed water pipeline would transfer 86,000-acre feet of water a year from Lake Powell (above) for water customers in southwestern Utah. (JodiJacobson/iStockphoto)

Conservation Groups Vow to Fight Utah Water Pipeline

SALT LAKE CITY - The State of Utah has filed for a permit to build a controversial 140-mile pipeline to send water from the Colorado River to southwes…

Gas prices will go up about five cents a gallon in Utah starting on Friday. (Pippalou/morguefile)

State Gas Tax Rises Almost 5 Cents a Gallon on Friday

SALT LAKE CITY - Gas prices in Utah will go up by about five cents a gallon starting Friday when the increase in the state gas tax kicks in. This …

Utahns can check out electric vehicle options, including homemade cars, on Saturday in Murray. Credit: Mykyta Starychenko/iStockPhoto

Commuting Options in Utah: It's Electric

MURRAY, Utah – Gas prices may be down, but that hasn't stopped Utah motorists from buying electric cars. For those considering that …

Lack of infrastructure investment costing drivers hundreds in additional maintenance. Courtesy: Utah Department of Transportation

Report: Utah's Failing Roads Cost Each Driver Up to $640 a Year

SALT LAKE CITY - Failing roads across the Wasatch Front can cost each driver up to $640 in extra vehicle repair and maintenance expense each year…

PHOTO: Utah has fewer bridges in need of major repair or upgrading than most other states in the union, according to a new report. Photo credit: Utah Department of Transportation.

Report: Utah Bridges Among Best in the U.S.

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah has some bragging rights when it comes to its bridges. John Gleason, public information officer with the state Department of …

PHOTO: Raising awareness about diversions, energy development and other activities that can negatively impact the Colorado River is the goal of a new coalition called Colorado River Connected. Photo courtesy of the Utah Department of Transportation.

New Coalition Spotlights Threats To Colorado River

SALT LAKE CITY – A new coalition of several organizations called Colorado River Connected is focused on raising awareness about critical issues …

PHOTO: Salt Lake City ranks about midway in a new national ranking of pedestrian deaths and safety in big U.S. cities. Photo courtesy Utah Department of Transportation.

Report: SLC Ranks Midway Among Big U.S. Cities for Pedestrian Deaths

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's capital ranks about midway among the nation's 51 largest metropolitan areas for pedestrian deaths and safety, according to a …

PHOTO: Utah's tourism economy could see a boost, courtesy of Tesla Motors. The company has paid for and installed Tesla Supercharger stations in Blanding, Green River, Moab and Richfield. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy

Tesla Supercharging Stations May Help Utah Tourism

BLANDING, Utah - Utah's tourism economy could see a boost, courtesy of Tesla Motors. The maker of the popular electric vehicles has installed its …

PHOTO: GREENbike is a big hit in Salt Lake City and is among the nation's most successful bicycle share program. Photo courtesy GreenBike SLC Bike Share.

GREENbike Program is a Big Hit in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY – A nonprofit organization that offers bicycles to get around downtown Salt Lake City is among the nation's most successful bicyc…

PHOTO: The Utah Highway Patrol is hoping a new law helps reduce traffic crashes and deaths caused by distracted driving. Photo courtesy of Town of Danville, Calif.

UHP Hoping New Cellphone Law Reduces Distracted-Driving Accidents

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) is hoping a new law will help reduce traffic accidents caused by distracted driving. Senate Bill 253…

PHOTO: Addressing Utah's water challenges over the next half-century is the task of a committee created by Governor Gary Herbert. Image courtesy of the State of Utah.

Governor Addresses Utah's Water Future

SALT LAKE CITY – Addressing Utah's water challenges over the next half-century is the task of a committee created by Gov. Gary Herbert…

PHOTO: A newly formed group is tasked with tackling Utah's air quality issues. Image courtesy of the Utah Office of Tourism.

UT Governor Creates "Clean Air Action Team"

SALT LAKE CITY – A newly formed group is tasked with tackling Utah's air quality issues. Gov. Gary Herbert this week announced the launch of …

PHOTO: Green ribbons are reminders to Utah children and parents to pay attention and stay safe when walking to and from school. Photo credit: Chris Thomas

Utah's "Green Ribbon Month" Prevents Pedestrian Deaths

SALT LAKE CITY - With kids heading back to school, it's worth noting that Utah is bucking the national trend for pedestrian deaths. They're on the …

PHOTO: Factory Butte is one of many geographic points of interest in the 2.1 million acres covered by the Richfield Resource Management Plan. Courtesy of BLM.

Off-Roaders' Dream or Environmental Nightmare?

SALT LAKE CITY - Off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on public land is the issue this week in a Salt Lake courtroom. On Tuesday, the first of six Resource …

PHOTO: Utah lawsuits contend counties should have transportation rights-of-way on roads on federal land in the state, even if � like this spot in Kane County � they don't look much like roads. Courtesy of SUWA.

Utah's Slew of Suits Seek Public Lands Right-of-Way

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Attorney General's office is at the helm of 30 lawsuits against the federal government, and the first was decided in the …

PHOTO: Utah and Colorado are experiencing the same oil and gas exploration boom � and the same hikes in air pollution levels. Map courtesy U.S. Geological Survey.

Utah's Producing More Oil, Gas – and Winter Smog

VERNAL, Utah - In Utah's Uinta Basin, 2012 has been a boom year for oil and gas development, with approvals for more than 5,300 new wells. But it has …

PHOTO: Many Utah roads will soon look like this! It may be time for a safe-driving refresher course before you have to brave them.

Before Winter, Brush Up on Those Driving Skills

SALT LAKE CITY - The snow has already flown in some parts of Utah, which is a reminder to brush up on safe-driving skills. AARP Utah offers a four-…

Feds Offer Ray of Sunshine to UT Solar Developers

MILFORD, Utah - Three sites in Utah are among 17 chosen in six western states by federal agencies as promising spots to develop large-scale solar-…

PHOTO: pronghorn. Photo credit: Deborah Smith

Transportation Bill Recognizes that Traffic is Sometimes a Zoo

PROVO, Utah - Commuting in Utah sometimes feels like a zoo, with the state's abundant wildlife traveling along - and over - roads. The new federal …

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PNS Daily Newscast - September 20, 2024

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UT: Urban Planning and Transportation