Division of Air Quality - Utah Department of Environmental Quality

News and Announcements

Uinta Basin Emission Factor for Pumpjack Engines

The Utah Division of Air Quality (UDAQ) has collected a significant amount of emission data associated with pumpjack engines in the Uinta Basin (UB) over the past few years. The data collected indicates that the past emission inventories collected for these engines have significantly underestimated VOC emissions and overestimated NOx emissions. These underestimations are most pronounced for two-stroke lean burn engines (2SLB), which are used widely across the UB to support the operation of lift to pumpjacks. To more accurately reflect the emissions from these sources, UDAQ is proposing to establish a UB-specific emission factor to be used in the collection of the 2023 triennial national emission inventory and the Utah state oil and gas inventory collected. UDAQ would like to receive comments on this proposal for a 30 day period from November 20 to December 19, 2023. Please provide those comments or any questions to Sheila Vance at svance@utah.gov.

Uintah Basin engine study and data collection impact on emissions factors for oil and gas emissions inventory.

House Bill 220 (General Session 2023)

House Bill 220 (General Session 2023) requires UDAQ to:

complete an emissions inventory of point sources that emit halogens by December 31, 2024,
complete an emissions reduction plan to reduce halogens by December 31, 2026, and
provide recommendations for a state standard limiting halogen emissions

Learn more about the interim status report on UDAQ’s H.B. 220 inventory and literature

S.B. 136

Senate Bill 136 (General Session 2022) required UDAQ to conduct studies and provide recommendations to inform the development of a Utah-specific diesel emissions reduction framework.

S.B. 136 Diesel Emissions Reduction Program Study & Utah Diesel Emissions Reduction Framework, Final Report – November 2023

Beehive Emission Reduction Plan

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is excited to announce the Beehive Emission Reduction Plan, an initiative to engage in greenhouse gas emission reduction planning in Utah. The goal of this effort is to identify quantifiable emission reduction measures and to secure implementation funding for those measures through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and other sources. DEQ has extensive emission reduction planning experience and is prepared to coordinate with partners to ensure that funding is leveraged to support balanced, state-driven solutions that pave the way for continued growth while maintaining a high-quality of life in Utah.

Learn more about the initiative

2-Stroke Emissions Proposed Rule Feedback Opportunity

The Utah Division of Air Quality is proposing reducing emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds and nitrogen oxides from small 2-stroke gas powered lawn equipment as part of the Northern Wasatch Front Ozone State Implementation Plan. We are asking stakeholders for feedback on the proposed rule before the formal rulemaking process begins.

Learn more about the proposed rule, how you can provide feedback, and about ongoing lawn equipment incentive programs for businesses at ChargeYourYard.utah.gov.

2023 Utah Air Monitoring Network Plan Available for Comment

The Annual Air Monitoring Network Plan is available for review and comment.

The Utah Air Monitoring Center provides an annual review of information about the Utah air monitoring network and pollution trend.

Submit comments to Bo Call (bocall@utah.gov)

Charge Your Yard Incentive Program

Lawn care businesses in Davis, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, and Weber counties can receive a discount up to $3,000 to upgrade their gas-powered leaf blowers and string trimmers to battery-powered electric equipment. Visit ChargeYourYard.utah.gov to view full eligibility requirements and to apply!

2022 DAQ Annual Report

The Annual Report is intended to provide an overview of Utah’s air quality, as well as the Division of Air Quality’s organization, activities, and progress throughout 2022.

Download the report

Utah Receives $1,284,587 for three community air pollution monitoring projects

The EPA has selected three Utah groups, including the Department of Environmental Quality, to receive funding to conduct air quality monitoring in communities across Davis and Salt Lake Counties. The projects are focused on communities that are underserved, historically marginalized, and overburdened by pollution.

Senate Bill 136 Status Report for Legislative Interim Committees

Through Senate Bill 136, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality is directed to conduct a study and develop a framework for a Utah-specific diesel emissions reduction program. A status report on the Department’s progress has been provided to the November legislative interim committees.

Reducing Summertime Ozone Pollution in Utah

Thank you to those who joined our meetings! For those who weren’t able to join, you can now watch the meeting recordings and view the slides. You can also review the Ozone SIP website where you can explore the interactive emissions inventory tool, and of course, submit your emission reduction ideas.

R307-401. Permit: New and Modified Sources

Due to the OAR website having problems publishing the R307-401 rule, DAQ is posting the most updated version of the rule on the DAQ website. The rule was last updated and made effective September 3, 2020.