❤️ Our hearts are with everyone affected by Utah's devastating wildfires and the firefighters risking their lives to protect our communities. This Fourth of July, let's go above and beyond the minimum legal requirements to help prevent the next wildfire.

❤️ Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating wildfires and the firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to protect our communities. Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles, affecting people far from the fire itself.

🎆 Before you light fireworks this Fourth of July, please think twice. Wildfire conditions are severe, fireworks release highly toxic air pollution, and the loud explosions can be distressing for pets and for some veterans, first responders, and others living with PTSD.

Immigration detention and deportation have public health impacts that extend far beyond detention facilities. Join us June 29 for a community discussion with Dr. Kate Sugarman on how these policies affect families and communities. 🗓 Monday, June 29 | 6–8 PM

🚨 Today is the last day to comment on the proposed Big Cottonwood Canyon thinning and burn project. The U.S. Forest Service is proposing large-scale thinning, prescribed burns, and herbicide use in Big Cottonwood Canyon and its tributaries. UPHE is urging the public to speak out.

🚨 Comments on the Big Cottonwood Canyon project are due TOMORROW, June 23. The U.S. Forest Service is proposing large-scale thinning, prescribed burns, and herbicide use in Big Cottonwood Canyon and its tributaries.

🚨 Comment deadline: June 29. The EPA is considering a rule change that could make it easier to fast-track projects like AI data centers before final air permits are approved. You don't need to be a scientist or lawyer to weigh in. Even a simple "no" matters.

David can beat Goliath. In a new Utah News Dispatch op-ed, Dr. Brian Moench writes about the growing movement of Utahns pushing back against massive AI data center projects and demanding accountability on water use, air pollution, energy demand, and community impacts.

People from across the country spoke out at the EPA's recent hearing on its proposed "Begin Actual Construction" rule. Citizens, physicians, advocates, & community leaders urged the EPA not to weaken air quality protections or make it easier to fast-track major projects, including AI data centers.

👏 Big news from Iron County. County officials approved a 180-day pause on new and incomplete AI data center applications while they review policies and evaluate impacts on water, energy, infrastructure, & local communities. Residents spoke up. Officials listened. This should be a model for Utah.

NEW PRESS RELEASE: The EPA is proposing to abandon a key Clean Air Act protection in order to accelerate construction of major pollution sources like AI data centers. The proposal would allow large portions of facilities to be built before air quality permits are obtained.

Yesterday’s large phragmites burn near the Great Salt Lake created a massive smoke plume across northern Utah. Regardless of the management strategy being used, smoke exposure still carries real public health risks.

Reminder: the EPA is proposing a rule change that could allow major polluting projects, including AI data centers, to begin construction before receiving air quality permits. In this clip, Dr. Brian Moench explains why that matters for public health and accountability.

Utahns are speaking out & this movement is growing. People from across the state gathered at the Utah State Capitol to demand accountability, protect public health, & push back against unchecked AI data center expansion.

TODAY IS THE DAY! Join us at the Utah State Capitol to speak out against large AI data centers and the threats they pose to Utah’s air, water, public health, and the Great Salt Lake. 📍 Utah State Capitol 🕚 11:00 AM Bring a sign. Bring a friend. Make your voice heard.

𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊 𝐔𝐏, 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐏𝐀, "𝐍𝐎 𝐖𝐀𝐘, 𝐄𝐏𝐀!!!!" The EPA is proposing a dangerous new rule that could allow major polluting projects, INCLUDING AI DATA CENTERS, to begin construction BEFORE receiving air quality permits. Yes, seriously.

TODAY IS THE DAY! Join us at the Utah State Capitol at 11:00 AM to speak out against large AI data centers and protect Utah’s air, water, public health, and the Great Salt Lake. Bring a sign. Bring a friend. Make your voice heard. #NoDataCenters #ProtectGreatSaltLake #Utah

TOMORROW!! Join us at the Utah State Capitol to speak out against large AI data centers and protect Utah’s air, water, public health, & the Great Salt Lake. 📍 Utah State Capitol 🕚 Saturday, May 23 | 11:00 AM Bring a sign. Bring a friend. Make your voice heard.

“There is no safe level of air pollution exposure.” Dr. Brian Moench of UPHE warns that even small increases in pollution from Utah’s proposed AI data centers can have major public health impacts.

Join us Saturday, May 23 at 11 AM at the Utah State Capitol to speak out against large AI data centers and their impacts on Utah’s air, water, public health, and the Great Salt Lake. Bring a sign. Bring a friend. Make your voice heard. #ProtectGreatSaltLake #NoDataCenters #Utah

Opposition to large AI data centers is growing across the country & across the political spectrum. Dr. Brian Moench, President of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE), explains why Utah is part of a growing national movement demanding more responsible policies & greater accountability.

More than 5,000 Utahns signed an open letter opposing the proposed Stratos datacenter, and today residents throughout the state gathered at the Utah State Capitol to deliver that message directly to Governor Cox.

Utah is facing a wave of proposed AI data centers, with 21 applications pending across the state. In a new FOX 13 interview, Dr. Brian Moench of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment explains why these projects raise serious concerns for air quality, water use, energy demand, and public health.

Governor Cox is talking about the Stratos data center, and we need to make sure he hears from us directly! 📍 South Steps, Utah State Capitol 🕥 Thursday, May 14 | 10:30 AM

In the last few days, the dismissive attitude of Utah’s politicians toward the will of the people of Utah has been on full display.

Over 1,000 people showed up in Box Elder County to oppose a massive proposed AI data center project. Residents raised concerns about water, pollution, and energy demand. County commissioners approved it anyway. Utah communities deserve more than being treated as infrastructure for the AI boom.

A proposed hyperscale data center in Box Elder County could have statewide impacts. Energy demand at this scale doesn’t stay local. It affects air quality, water resources, and public health across Utah. Residents are already speaking out. Public comment is expected May 4.

“We’re headed in the wrong direction.” That was the message from Sara at Sunday’s Earth Action Rally at the Capitol. As covered by ABC4 News, she pointed to the link between air pollution and serious health impacts, from respiratory to cardiovascular disease.

Less lawn. More life. 🌿 Free 12-week challenge to turn your yard into a thriving ecosystem. Starts May 7. Simple steps. Real impact. lesslawnmorelife.com

The Environmental Domain of Risk Dr. Brian Moench was on UPHE Board VP, Dr. Kirtly Parker Jones’ podcast, 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘋𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯'𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩, talking about the risks of air pollution.

Every day is Earth Day at UPHE, but today is your chance to step in. Clean air. A protected Great Salt Lake. Accountability for decisions that impact all of us. 💚 Support the work: www.uphe.org/donate/

AI data centers aren’t just energy-hungry, they’re reshaping Utah’s future. From rising local temperatures to increased pollution and water use, the impacts are already here. Now they’re even driving a push for new nuclear development. Expand first. Deal with consequences later.

Nuclear power isn’t just about energy - it’s about water. In a drying state like Utah, the water demands alone should raise serious questions. Dr. Brian Moench explains 👇 www.uphe.org/the-case-aga... Got questions? Join our upcoming Reddit AMA.

Dr. Brian Moench is returning to Reddit for an Ask Me Anything - this time focused on nuclear power in Utah.

Utah lawmakers sided with oil profits over people. Utah became the first state to shield oil companies from climate accountability, despite worsening drought, wildfires, and air pollution. UPHE will continue fighting to protect Utah communities. Read more: www.exxonknews.org/p/these-stat...

Why do we still live in Utah, knowing what we know about air quality and health? A recent article from Utah News Dispatch highlights a difficult question many Utah families are beginning to ask.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Patagonia last week for Docs, Dust & Answers. We had meaningful conversations about Great Salt Lake dust, air quality, and public health - and connected with a community committed to protecting Utah’s future.

The Great Salt Lake is disappearing and the climate crisis is accelerating the collapse. Severe drought is forecasted this summer. Temperatures are rising. Water diversions continue. Yet state leaders refuse bold action.

Utah just had its warmest winter in over a century, and the consequences are already showing. Three Utah ski resorts have closed early following record March heat. But this goes far beyond skiing.

Unanswered questions about the Utah Inland Port. A Utah resident asked how proposed development could impact air quality, pollution, and public health. No answers.

Utah is about to hit 30° above normal this weekend. Parts of the Southwest? 100°F… in March. That kind of heat wipes out what little snowpack we have left, and pushes us deeper into drought.

Utah is planning a major expansion of critical minerals mining, with goals of supplying up to 25% of national demand. While often framed as essential for energy and security, large-scale mining raises real concerns for air quality, water, and public health.

More large-scale development is being proposed near Utah’s wetlands, including data centers that require huge amounts of water and energy. In already water-stressed areas, that raises real concerns.

Utah could become a storage site for the nation’s nuclear waste. State leaders are exploring storing radioactive waste in Millard County as part of expanding Utah’s role in the nuclear fuel cycle.

New op-ed from a UPHE Board Member and Climate Change Ambassador on the consequences of rolling back climate protections and failing to address greenhouse gas pollution.

Utah Legislative Session Wrap-Up Some progress this year: • HB 76 - Data center water use transparency • HB 509 - State wetlands study • HB 378 - Stronger dust mitigation rules • HB 247 - Funding for Great Salt Lake protection

SB 234 would weaken Utah’s ability to protect public health. The bill blocks regulators from acting when contaminants increase the risk of disease, forcing agencies to prove a specific toxin causes a specific illness before taking action. That ignores decades of public health science.

⏳ Final week of the Utah legislative session — two quick actions. Both bills were sent back to the Senate Rules Committee, where leaders will decide whether they move forward before session ends.

HB 501 hearing TODAY at 4 PM. UPHE opposes it because it increases financial pressure for major diversion projects that threaten the Great Salt Lake. Less lake water = more toxic dust and worse air. Call and EMAIL members of the Senate Government Operations Committee and urge a NO vote.

HB 501 proposes new fees on water bills that could fund major water development projects, like the proposed Bear River diversion.