The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah's largest and longest-standing statewide business association representing more than half the workforce of our state, applauds Gov. Gary Herbert for issuing the Automotive Idling Reduction executive order, requiring state fleet vehicles to shut down when idling more than 30 seconds and not in traffic.

Clean air is a priority of the business community as it impacts the health of all Utahns as well as the state's economic development efforts. The Chamber also supports efforts to comply with current federal air quality standards. Reaching compliance will limit regulatory burdens on business and help secure future federal highway funding.

Approximately half the pollutants in our air come from vehicles and reducing the exhaust of the state's 7,300 vehicles will enhance our air quality. Exempting Highway Patrol and other vehicles for safety reasons shows a commendable level of pragmatism and focus on common sense.

Businesses recognize the significant amount of money that can be saved by fuel conservation efforts and we applaud the state's incorporation of these practices. Prudent stewardship of tax money is a hallmark of our state and efforts to further stretch every dollar are to be praised.

The Salt Lake Chamber's Clean Air Champion program is proud to be the official business partner of the governor's UCAIR initiative, and we encourage all Utah businesses to follow the example being set by the state and to make appropriate changes in their operations.