USU Extension Sustainability March Blog Post

Four people standing together — LFCA Executive Director Brad Di Iorio with members from Utah Clean Air

Brad Di Iorio is the Executive Director of Leaders For Clean Air (LFCA), a nonprofit organization committed to improving air quality by expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. An avid outdoorsman and exercise enthusiast, Brad’s passion for clean air advocacy stems from his desire to enjoy outdoor activities without being exposed to harmful pollutants. Under his leadership, LFCA has helped secure rebates and grants for over 4,000 EV chargers, making a lasting impact on air quality in Utah and beyond. In this interview, Brad shares his journey into clean air advocacy, the challenges and successes of LFCA, and practical ways businesses and individuals can make a difference.

What inspired you to work in clean air advocacy, and what is your nonprofit’s core mission?

As an active outdoors athlete and exercise enthusiast, when I hike, bike, ski, snowboard, go camping, and run, I don't want to be inhaling and ingesting toxins and small particulate matter. I decided to do something about it and working for Leaders For Clean Air allows me to advocate for healthier, safer environments. Leaders For Clean Air primarily educates, advises, and does the applications for EV Charger purchase rebates and infrastructure EV Charging station project grants for companies, municipalities, and nonprofits.

Can you share a success story where your organization made a tangible impact on air quality?

LFCA has helped companies get rebates and grants for over 4000 EV Chargers. PacSize, a Utah packaging company downtown's west side, started with 5 EV Chargers ten years ago and now has 35 EV Chargers allowing employees to consider doing something themselves by purchasing an EV and charging it at work. In Utah, an estimated 40-45% of poor air quality is caused by toxins from vehicle exhaust.

What are the biggest challenges your nonprofit faces in improving air quality?

Getting the conversation started with a business, implementing a plan of action and getting the funding to install EV Chargers, is a big challenge. Usually, one person doesn't make the decision, but it is a collective decision and allocating funds is a budgeting process that takes time and initiative. Entities and people put it off either thinking it is something they cannot change or afford. It's a learning process and that takes time.

How does your organization collaborate with policymakers, businesses, and communities to create change?

We reach out and are visible. We communicate and teach. We have a presence. LFCA offers less expensive programs like the Pay It Forward where one business donates to LFCA for another business to get a charger if that company can give a donation for the next company. LFCA also has a loaner Membership Tier Program, where we 'loan' business EV Chargers so they can begin to learn about how EV Charging inspires their employees and customers to consider an electric vehicle purchase.

What strategies have most effectively raised public awareness and mobilized action for cleaner air?

Our partner, UCAIR, has the most notable clean-air television/radio ad campaign that reminds people to think about Utah's air quality in their day-to-day activities. It's reaching the largest number of Utahns' with a subtle simple message.

What are the most effective ways for Utah residents to take action and improve air quality in their communities?

LFCA has very limited resources and is looking for business partners to expand incentives for EV Charging. Education and advice on EV Chargers is free. Talking about air quality and considering cleaner air options, such as electrical vehicles are one way everyday Utahns can make a change personally.