Lawmakers seek solutions as wildfires burn hole in firefighting budget
WASHINGTON - The 2017 wildfire season is already one of most expensive on record, with a $2.35 billion price tag burning through the Forest Service's budget, lawmakers and Agriculture Department officials said Tuesday.
Would you drink beer made from wastewater?
PHOENIX – Wastewater. We use it to irrigate fields, to flush toilets and to make one of America’s favorite beverages – beer.
Purchase opens 32,600 acres near Coronado Forest to hiking, hunting
WASHINGTON - The Interior Department's purchase of a plot of private land will allow public access to 32,600 acres of previously isolated forest land, a move that drew praise from wilderness advocates and hunters alike this week.
Environmentalists, ranchers trade barbs in killing of Mexican gray wolf
WASHINGTON - Environmentalists and livestock owners are pointing fingers after government agents killed an endangered Mexican gray wolf last month for preying on cattle, the first wolf killed for depredation in 10 years.
With as few as 100 left, Arizona turtle wins endangered species status
WASHINGTON - It may not be surprising that an "aquatic desert" turtle faces long odds in life, but environmentalists and biologists still welcomed this week's endangered species designation for the Sonoyta mud turtle.
APS official: Red tape slows utilities’ efforts to prevent forest fires
WASHINGTON - When overgrown forests clash with energy infrastructure - devastating fire and power outages can follow. But current law puts up bureaucratic hurdles that make it hard for utilities to do the forest clearing that could prevent those fires, and then holds them responsible when fires break out, an Arizona Public Service official told a Senate committee Tuesday.
From desert wheat in Arizona to pasta in Italy
CASA GRANDE — Italian pasta chefs are known for crafting dishes that are as much local culture as they are food. What is less well-known is that Arizona’s desert durum wheat is a common ingredient in Italian pasta.
Plans to reduce number of Grand Canyon bison advance on two fronts
WASHINGTON - Plans to reduce the size of a destructive herd of Grand Canyon bison took another step forward this week, when a House panel approved a bill to require culling, just weeks after the National Park Service approved its own plan.
Flagstaff official says cities should use disasters to prepare for future
WASHINGTON - For Flagstaff, the wake-up call came seven years ago when the town suffered through the Schultz fire, a massive blizzard, floods, tornados and more.
Southwest Valley officials to cut salt cedar trees invading Gila River bed
BUCKEYE — Local leaders say salt cedar trees are invading the Gila River, causing flood andfire hazards and choking native vegetation and wildlife habitats. They say it’s time for the trees, planted a century ago to slow erosion, to make their final stand.
Advocates warn that cuts to EPA budget will be felt in Arizona programs
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality got $315 million in funding for specific federal programs over the past five years - funding that could be endangered by proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency budget.
Phoenix, Tucson get middling scores in UN look at cities’ sustainability
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said in his State of the City address this year that Phoenix had been "recognized for our leadership on sustainability," but a new study suggests it may have room to improve.
