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In a partnership that aims to pave the way for Utah's sustainable development, Chevron has emerged as a significant corporate ally of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air at Utah State University (USU), as USU Today reveals. Chevron's recent contribution has pushed their total support to over $230,000 in the past six years, aiding the institute's initiatives that intersect science with policy-making, as Anna McEntire, managing director of the institute, said, "It was a vote of confidence" in their important environmental and policy-relevant research. Chevron's funding has been instrumental in backing pivotal projects like air quality studies, specifically through impact grants, which have enabled research on ammonia concentrations and particulate matter, spearheaded by USU's Randy Martin. This research not only helps improve our understanding of pollution but also directly influences environmental policy at local and state levels; however, that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Chevron's involvement. The corporate funds have also been pivotal in supporting the Utah People and Environment Poll and the Utah Wellbeing Project, both of which provide valuable insights for policy decision-makers. Student researchers, such as Molly Blakowski, have also benefited, with Chevron's involvement enabling research into Great Salt Lake dust, research that is of significant concern to local communities and beyond. "We've been able to fund student researchers, invest in new technologies and bring the right science forward to policy-makers," Brian Steed, ILWA's executive director, emphasized the impact of Chevron’s support, as per USU Today, further noting the company's role on ILWA's External Advisory Board as a testament to their commitment to a collaborative approach to environmental issues. Their role is multifaceted, spanning from providing financial support to engaging in direct dialogue with researchers and contributing to efficient decision-making processes that address the practical challenges and opportunities faced by Utah's environment and industries. This collaboration with ILWA is only one aspect of Chevron's broader engagement with USU, as their total giving exceeds half a million dollars and encompasses contributions to various university initiatives, including STEM education. Chevron also prides itself on actions such as upgrading its Salt Lake Refinery to minimize emissions and producing cleaner gasoline to meet air quality goals, Arikka Von, corporate affairs representative for Chevron U.S.A. Inc., told USU Today, embodying the company’s ethos for environmental stewardship and collaborative solutions.
