TALKING POINTS:
ENVIRONMENT
Arizona is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, and its numerous state and national parks are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. However, there is growing concern among the state’s residents and national environmental groups over the status of air quality, availability of water, and other issues that could have negative long-term effects. A look at Arizona’s environmental statistics shows that these concerns are well-founded:
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Arizona recently received an ‘F’ for ozone, making it among the worst places in the nation for summertime pollutants in the air breathed by its residents.
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The state has the 3rd-highest rate of toxic releases into the atmosphere.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency imposed twice the number of enforcement actions in Arizona in 2003 as it did the previous year
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The Grand Canyon State has the dubious distinction of being one of four states with an overwhelmingly high pollution rate from mining, which poisons water as well as air and poses a grave health threat for those living nearby.
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Numerous counties within the state are subject to periodic water shortages, and the likelihood of being able to maintain a constant, sustainable water supply is constantly called into question.
So what’s the good news?
Many members of the Arizona State Legislature have been pressing hard to pass environmentally-friendly bills and keep environmental issues near the top of the political agenda. Recent successes include: the continuing funding of the Solar Energy Advisory Council; a measure to authorize a tax credit for residential installation of water conservation systems, capped at $1000 per household; and the establishment of minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances that were not already covered under federal standards, including large commercial air conditioning units and clothes washers. Governor Janet Napolitano signed all of these initiatives into law in April and May of this year.
Addressing safety and pollution issues related to unnatural wildfires has also been a top priority for Napolitano, as evidenced by her founding of the Forest Health Oversight Council. Since April 2003, the Council has made a number of recommendations to the State Legislature, the Corporation Commission, and local communities, such as: expanding the Collaborative Forest Restoration Act; urging the creation of Community Wildfire Protection Plans; and lobbying for the establishment of air-quality standards for biomass.
The Governor and representatives from the House and Senate still have a long way to go to improve Arizona’s environmental conditions. However, they are demonstrating their ongoing commitment to responsible and efficient use of resources, as well as supporting the research needed to develop new technologies that will help to preserve our environment.
(Information taken from the Arizona League of Conservation Voters’ “Score Card 2005”, and http://www.azgov.gov/)
