Watchdog fights to protect consumers, keeps tabs on utility companies and the commission that regulates them
PHOENIX – Since 2018, Abhay Padgaonkar has worked as a fierce consumer advocate, fighting for the rights of those who struggle to pay their electricity bills. Padgaonker believes that his background in engineering and financial modeling makes him uniquely suited for data analysis as he keeps tabs on utilities and the commission that regulates them.
Arizona, California, Nevada agree on cuts to Colorado River water use
WASHINGTON - Arizona, California and Nevada unveiled a plan Monday to save 3 million acre-feet of Colorado River water between now and 2026, a stopgap measure to buy time while authorities figure out a long-term plan for the river.
Honor your ‘mother’: Working to keep traditional ways, types of Hopi corn
MAYER – Michael Kotutwa Johnson, a farmer from the Hopi Tribe, is focusing on bringing Hopi corn back to the dining table – not only for the health benefits but also to connect his people to their culture.
Court rejects claim that copper mine land is needed for jaguar preservation
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that regulators were wrong to conclude that parts of Pima County targeted for a copper mine are critical to the preservation of endangered jaguars, reviving chances for the stalled Rosemont Copper mine.
Food forest 360 tour: Glendale permaculture landscape designer grows produce in the desert
GLENDALE – Justin Haddad, owner and operator of Herbal.Lyf.Styl, has been growing a food forest in his backyard for the past seven years. He launched a permaculture landscape design business to help other people grow their own food forests.
Where did the snow go? Researchers probe gap between snowfall, runoff
Every winter, high-altitude snow melts and fills reservoirs in the Colorado River basin, but some years see a big gap between the snow that falls and the water runs off. There is little data on why it happens, but researchers hope to find answers high in the Rockies.
It’s summer and Arizona gas prices sizzle to third-highest in country
PHOENIX – Arizona gas prices remain the third-highest in the country, just in time for summer vacation season.
Efforts to remove invasive giant reed in Arizona rivers and lakes continues with Department of Forestry grants
PHOENIX – The Arundo has been invading Arizona, and organizations, including the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, are offering grants to groups that will work to remove the stubborn plant. The Arundo is found near many bodies of water in Arizona, and it takes up too much water for the drought-ridden state.
Wet winter allows for rare ‘high-flow’ Lake Powell release to help river
An extra pulse of water was sent through the Grand Canyon this week, part of a Bureau of Reclamation “high-flow experiment” designed to move and redeposit sand and sediment from the Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona.
Arizona plans to sink more than $85 million into potholes, other repairs
PHOENIX – After a tough winter for roadways, the Arizona Department of Transportation is working to patch potholes and to resurface, repair and improve highways in Arizona. ADOT has pledged over $85 million for the effort.
Phoenix again ranks among most polluted; people of color more likely to be exposed and develop health issues, report says
PHOENIX – The Phoenix metro area has been ranked as the fifth-most ozone-polluted city in the United States, according to the most recent State of the Air report from the American Lung Association. The report emphasized people of color are especially affected by air pollution and related health issues.
EPA’s ‘Waters’ rule fluid, as courts block enforcement in 26 states
After a years of fighting between administrations over the Clean Water Act, the on-again, off-again struggle over the Waters of the United States rule is on again. And off again, depending on where you live. Arizona is one of 24 states where the rule is in effect.
