Opinion: Utah was supposed to be my final home. Pollution and politics might force me out.

Recently my wife and I once again debated whether or not we should sell the home we love; leave Salt Lake City, our friends and neighbors; cut ties with our excellent physicians and their health care teams; and move to the Pacific Northwest. We have friends there who are thoroughly enjoying their lives in first-rate retirement communities.

A major move and relocation are always stressful, but my wife loves a challenge, is detail oriented and possesses all the skills necessary for organizing and directing complex projects. She assures me she would manage our move to the Pacific Northwest just as successfully and efficiently as she has our four previous moves.

Ten years ago, we firmly believed Salt Lake City would be our final home. During the last two years, however, the health hazards associated with increasing environmental pollution — especially those associated with the neurotoxins and other pollutants being released due to the depletion of the Great Salt Lake — have led us to reassess our decision to remain.

During our 26 years as residents of Salt Lake City, we have become increasingly convinced that Utah’s conservative state legislators are too little dedicated to conservation. Our state’s political and business movers-and-shakers promote maximum growth and development — and too readily downplay associated long-term environmental and human costs.

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Opinion: Utah was supposed to be my final home. Pollution and politics might force me out.

Opinion: Utah was supposed to be my final home. Pollution and politics might force me out.

Opinion: Utah was supposed to be my final home. Pollution and politics might force me out.

Opinion: Utah was supposed to be my final home. Pollution and politics might force me out.

Opinion: Utah was supposed to be my final home. Pollution and politics might force me out.