Lawmakers push critical mineral status for copper, a major Arizona export, which would mean green energy tax breaks and less regulation
WASHINGTON – Lawmakers from Arizona, home to the largest copper mines in the U.S., are pushing to add the metal to a federal list of critical minerals. That would trigger tax breaks and a faster permit process. Copper is critical for green energy industries and electric vehicles. The U.S. House has already approved the bill.
Solar power growth could slow if Trump keeps promise to kill Biden-era incentives
WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to cut incentives for solar power under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act could undermine a green industry that has exploded in the last decade.
‘We’re family here’: SRP employees band together to clean 10 miles of Salt River canal system
MESA - Employees from across Salt River Project departments come together with camaraderie and perseverance for an annual canal cleanup. This involves catching and relocating the white amur fish, also known as grass carp, before cleaning can begin.
Bakersfield lawsuit continues as Kern River water management that left fish dead comes under fire
LOS ANGELES – A portion of the Kern River in Bakersfield, California, has dried up leaving a mass grave of varying fish species behind. Multiple wildlife and nature advocates and nonprofits are continuing with a related lawsuit against the city over water control.
‘Toss the Tusk’ educates Phoenix Zoo guests on illegal ivory trading, allows ivory surrender
PHOENIX – An event aimed at educating the public on poaching and how to combat the illegal ivory trade, came to the Phoenix Zoo for the first time. Guests were encouraged to surrender ivory, which will be used for research and education.
Phoenix says visits to heat relief centers skyrocketed during record-breaking summer, and 92% were from people experiencing homelessness
PHOENIX – City officials said Phoenix’s heat-relief network saved many lives this summer, particularly among the unhoused population.
Flourishing Los Angeles: Activists reclaim urban spaces through guerrilla gardening
LOS ANGELES – Guerrilla gardening empowers communities to reclaim neglected urban spaces and combat environmental issues. This movement promotes sustainable practices, fosters social change and environmental awareness while transforming the city’s concrete landscape. City officials urge going through the permitting process.
Arizona is launching PFAS mitigation efforts ahead of the EPA deadline. But critics say it isn’t enough
WASHINGTON – In response to persistent contamination from PFAS, a known “forever chemical,” the EPA, Arizona and other government agencies are coming up with strategies to maintain a clean water supply. Critics say what they are doing is not enough.
Arizona companies building tech to reduce carbon emissions
WASHINGTON – The U.S ranks second globally in the countries that emit the highest greenhouse gas emissions. Arizona companies have joined the move to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while seeking credit for carbon emitted.
Maricopa County combats heat with its heat-relief network; Phoenix reports serving 35,000
PHOENIX – Maricopa County opens several heat-relief centers every summer. These centers are vital to the community when the weather outside reaches unbearable temperatures; centers in Phoenix served more than 35,000 this summer.
Number of electric vehicles in Arizona has tripled, outpacing charging station installation
WASHINGTON – The number of electric vehicles in Arizona has tripled in the last 18 months, and the number of charging stations hasn’t kept pace.
Republicans falsely link illegal immigration to federal relief funds as Hurricane Milton slams Florida
WASHINGTON – As Hurricane Helene pushed disaster relief to the political forefront, former President Donald Trump and other Republicans have leveled false claims about FEMA diverting funds to help migrants.
