Public News Service

Arundo was initially introduced to the Western United States for erosion control and aesthetics, according to Watershed Management Group. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

Southern AZ nonprofit removes invasive plants to restore riparian areas

By Hunter Fore for Cronkite News.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

A partir de junio de 2024, la adopci�n de autobuses escolares el�ctricos en los EE. UU. ha aumentado hasta un total de 12 164 autobuses desde 2012, seg�n la Iniciativa de Autobuses Escolares El�ctricos. (Adobe Stock)

AZ tiene más de 150 autobuses escolares eléctricos, ¿habrían más en camino?

Con el inicio de las clases, muchos estudiantes de Arizona tomarán el autobús para ir a la escuela. A principios de este verano, la EPA …

As of last June, the Inflation Reduction Act will likely still reduce the federal deficit over the decade by about $175 billion, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

Expert recalls AZ IRA investments on its 2nd anniversary

Today the Inflation Reduction Act has been law for two years and one expert contended its effects in Arizona have been noteworthy. Shannon Heyck-…

President Joe Biden's clean energy plan ie expected to create 14,000 Arizona jobs by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

AZ voters unaware of Biden's clean energy plan, more outreach needed

UPDATE: Information has been added about potential energy bill savings with heat-pump use in Arizona. (12:42 p.m. MDT, Aug. 6, 2024) Only one in …

Using a ceiling fan can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 30% when the fan is circulating counterclockwise. It pushes cooler air downward, creating a cooling effect. (Adobe Stock)

Rising AZ summer temps also mean higher energy bills

Summer is in full swing and as temperatures increase across the state of Arizona, so do energy bills. Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona …

Rural households use 80% of the propane used across all U.S. households, according to a Rural Climate Partnership report. (Adobe Stock)

Report finds rural America's climate impact has been overlooked, calls for action

At least 10% of Arizona's population lives in rural areas, and a new report shows a significant portion of the state's greenhouse gas emissions …

By 2060, nearly half the days in the year are projected to be over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arizona set to experience a hotter summer this year

Arizona is already warming up, and a new report sheds light on how climate change is intensifying that heat. Last year, just under 650 heat-…

Warmer nighttime temperatures decrease the overnight relative humidity, making it more difficult for firefighters to gain control over wildfires, according to Climate Central's report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arizona now sees two more months of fire weather

A new report found Arizona is experiencing some of the greatest increases in annual fire weather days, with some areas seeing around two more months …

In 2022, 10.3 million park visitors spent an estimated $1.2 billion in local gateway regions while visiting National Park lands in Arizona, according to the National Park Service. (Adobe Stock)

New BLM rules could help national parks in AZ

As opponents to the Bureau of Land Management's new rules push back, public lands advocates are praising the agency's decision to put conservation on …

The Department of Energy estimates that the new standards, once finalized, will cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 billion metric tons or more. (Adobe Stock)

AZ consumer group praises new water heat efficiency standards

An Arizona consumer group is applauding the U.S. Department of Energy's new residential water heater standards that they say will save American …

There are 8,337 solar jobs in the state of Arizona, according to Solar Energy Industries Association. (Adobe Stock)

AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments

The State of Arizona has received $156 million to invest into solar systems for Arizona families. Adrian Keller, Arizona program director for the …

Outdoor recreation added $11.7 million to the Arizona economy in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. (Adobe Stock)

AZ conservation groups pleased with Biden's move to protect public lands

Arizona conservation groups and sportsmen alike say they're pleased the Bureau of Land Management will now recognize conservation as an integral part …

The beans from the velvet mesquite are known as

Food forests in southern Arizona help combat heat and hunger

By Max Graham for Grist.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Serv…

The Nature Conservancy Arizona will use the funding to purchase conservation easements from willing landowners on up to 20,000 acres. (Juliana Swenson/Adobe Stock)

Millions of dollars going to Verde River conservation in north central AZ

More than $11 million in federal grant money will go to improve land and water conservation in the upper Verde River Watershed and Big Chino Grassland…

Arizona se encuentra ahora entre los 10 estados con m�s matr�culas de veh�culos el�ctricos. (Adobe Stock)

Propuesta por busca aumentar ventas de vehículos eléctricos

En Arizona, cuatro de cada mil personas tienen autos eléctricos. Una propuesta federal que pronto será finalizada podría aumentar …

Arizona is now among the top 10 states with the most electric vehicle registrations. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA rule aims to increase EV sales

In Arizona, four in every 1,000 people have electric cars and a federal rule soon to be finalized could increase those numbers. It is gaining support …

Maricopa County's latest report says 71% of heat-related deaths last year occurred on days with an excessive heat warning. (Adobe Stock)

Higher heat-related fatalities prompt warnings for Arizonans

Summer will be here before you know it, and experts say now is the time to get prepared for Arizona's scorching and life-threatening temperatures…

For every $1 spent by the EPA, there could be as much as $77 in human health benefits in 2032, according to the EPA. (Adobe Stock)

Arizonans celebrate new EPA soot standards

Arizona leaders are encouraged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new soot standards they said will protect people from dangerous and …

Around 79% of Arizona voters think the low level of water in rivers is a serious problem, according to the 2024 Conservation in the West Poll. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: AZ voters show strong preference for conservation efforts

Voters from Arizona and across the West say a public official's position on conservation will be an important factor when deciding who to support in t…

There are 37 EV models available for less than the average new vehicle purchase price of $48,000, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Terry Lee White / Adobe Stock)

Analysis: EVs could save Arizonans big

Electric vehicles could save Arizonans up to almost $25,000 compared to gasoline vehicles over 10 years, depending on specific makes and models…

The EPA estimates by 2045, the clean truck rule could result in up to 2,900 fewer premature deaths and 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and emergency room visits. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

AZ leaders advocate for 'clean truck' standards

Arizona leaders and community members rallied late last week to urge support for the Environmental Protection Agency's clean truck standards for heavy…

Forest and woodland habitats cover approximately 18.6 million acres or roughly 25% of the state, according to Arizona Game & Fish. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: 'Historic' plan could help improve Arizona forests' health

An Arizona conservationist is lauding the U.S. Forest Service for announcing what some are calling a "historic proposal" to conserve old-growth …

Nearly 74% of likely Arizona voters agree groundwater is essential for communities, farming, industry and Arizona's way of life. (Adobe Stock)

Water: Top focus for AZ 2024 environmental groups

More than two dozen Arizona organizations have laid out their 2024 environmental priorities. Sandy Bahr, director of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the …

Latinos represent just under 20% of the U.S. population but account for 24% of all car sales, according to Autoproyecto. (Adobe Stock)

Group helps AZ Latino communities achieve 'climate liberation'

The nonprofit organization Corazón Latino has been awarded $15,000 to help Latino communities in Arizona fight for what they are calling "climate…

Indigenous AZ researcher calls for more quality focused farming

By Breanna Draxler for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Yes! Magazine-Public News …

Since the summer of 2022, the State of Arizona has already secured more than $10 billion in new clean energy investments, which are projected to create more than 13,500 new jobs, according to Climate Power. (Adobe Stock)

Public and private sectors discuss AZ's clean energy economy

The Arizona Governor's Office of Resilience and industry leaders discussed clean energy investments in the state at Honeywell's facility in Phoenix Mo…

In a poll this year, 85% of Arizonans agreed the state should do more to manage groundwater in all parts of the state, and 79% agreed the water crisis cannot be addressed without Arizona safeguarding all its groundwater supplies. (Adobe Stock)

AZ expert sheds light on state's challenging water outlook

An Arizona water expert said the state faces a challenging situation with the Colorado River being overallocated, compounded with what she calls a …

More than 10 trillion gallons of water have been lost from the Colorado River basin between 2000 and 2021, according to a recent UCLA study. (Paul Moore/Adobe Stock)

AZ celebrates Colorado River conservation agreements

Arizona leaders are celebrating the federal government's just over $63 million investment for water conservation, efficiency and protection of the …

The Inflation Reduction Act tax credits that encourage investment in solar power are expected to help reduce energy costs by 22% over the next 30 years in Arizona. (Photo courtesy of Will Humble)

AZ homeowner touts benefits of Solar Investment Tax Credit

Arizona homeowners contemplating making the switch to solar energy could save substantially. Those who install a solar system now through 2032 can …

The inefficient engines in gasoline-powered lawn equipment can emit as much pollution in an hour as driving hundreds of miles in a typical car, according to the report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Why Arizonans should switch to electric lawn equipment

Arizonans who transition to cleaner electric-powered lawn and garden equipment can help mitigate the noise as well as the harmful fumes produced from …

Cabeza Prieta is one of the largest wildlife refuges in the United States and contains more than 800,000 acres of designated wilderness. (Adobe Stock)

AZ coalition seeks expansion of wildlife refuge and protection of ancestral lands

An Arizona-based coalition is calling on the Department of the Interior to expand the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in addition to returning …

It's estimated there are 6,200 wild burros in the State of Arizona, according to the Bureau of Land Management. (Adobe Stock)

BLM Seeks Public Comment on Wild Burro Management in AZ

The wild burro population in northwest Arizona is about four times the appropriate management level, according to the Bureau of Land Management…

The 2023 Arizona legislative session was the longest session on record, officially spanning 204 days and finally wrapping up on July 31. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental Report Card Released for AZ Legislature, Governor

Grades are in for Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature. The Grand Canyon chapter of the Sierra Club and Chispa Arizona this week …

Consumer Reports says credits of up to $7,500 depend on where the vehicle is made, its price and the buyer's income. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Electric Vehicle Sales Not Slowing Down

Experts say consumer interest and sales of electric vehicles in Arizona and across the country aren't slowing down. Arizona is among the top 10 …

Arizona is opening one cooling center and one cooling stop in the Government Mall. The first will be located at 1818 W. Adams St, the second is a portable, cooled shipping container at 1801 W. Madison St. (Ray Redstone/Adobe Stock)

AZ Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Extreme Heat

Last week, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared an emergency in response to the intense heat wave being felt around the state. The governor had …

Arizona ranks among the top five states in the nation for the total number of native bird, reptile and mammal species, according to the Arizona Wildlife Federation. (Adobe Stock)

Expert Wants Federal Investments to Help Ecological Health in AZ

Experts across the West have met to discuss the potential impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act as the one-year anniversary of the piece of legislati…

The new monument's Native American name is Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni, which refers to the ancestral footprints of Indigenous peoples. It is made up of three distinct areas to the south, northeast and northwest of Grand Canyon National Park. (Adobe Stock)

Biden Announces Historic National Monument Near Grand Canyon

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced the designation of a new national monument near the Grand Canyon. The latest move will conserve and …

Arizona state and city leaders and lawmakers tour several cooling centers in Maricopa County. (Kevin Bushaw)

AZ Faith Leaders Call for Better Heat Response

Intense heat is nothing new for Arizona summers, but the state has been enduring a record heat wave for a number of weeks. The Arizona Faith …

In Arizona, the state's largest public utilities offer technical assistance to public and private entities seeking to electrify their fleets. (Adobe Stock)

Report Touts Transitioning AZ's Gov't-Fleet Vehicles to Electric

A new report found Arizona could save taxpayers $283 million if state and local governments transition their light-duty fleets to electric vehicles ov…

According to the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, in 2022, outdoor recreation in Arizona, in places like the Grand Canyon region, generated $3.3 billion in wages and salaries. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Tribal Nations, Lawmakers Want New Grand Canyon Nat'l. Monument

President Joe Biden has designated new national monuments in Nevada and Texas - and some in Arizona say it is time to do the same for the Grand Canyon…

Advocates say the EPA's proposed carbon pollution standards would avert approximately 1,300 premature deaths. (Ralf Broskvar/Adobe Stock)

AZ Leaders Urge Strong Standards to Cut Climate Pollution from Power Plants

Arizona leaders gathered Tuesday in support of the Biden administration's proposed plans to cut climate pollution from fossil-fuel power plants to tac…

According to ALL in Education, climate and environment has been identified as one of nine factors that have the biggest effect on student academic outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Schools Set to Receive Trees Through State Budget Appropriation

Arizona environmental-justice advocates are celebrating some big wins passed through the state budget. One of the provisions, Senate Bill 1689…

According to Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention, starting in late April or May many areas across the state will implement seasonal fire restrictions and then typically rescind them in September or October. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Arizona Trail, a 'Lifeline' for Many, Under Threat by Wildfires

The Arizona Trail stretches 800 miles across Arizona, from Mexico to Utah. The trek is considered by many a "lifeline," under threat with fire season …

School districts have until Aug. 22 to turn in their applications for this year's Clean School Bus Program. (Moms Clean Air Force)

AZ School District Sees Benefits of Electric Buses, More Funds On Way

This week, one Arizona school district is sharing the local benefits ushered in by the Inflation Reduction Act. Isaac School District in West …

The Flagstaff project between the groups was made possible by a $150,000 grant from the Four Corners Carbon Coalition, a group of local governments financing projects to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (photo courtesy CarbonBuilt)

Small Northern AZ Business Decarbonizing Concrete with Help from Startups

By Emily Pontecorvo for Grist.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public New…

Joellen Russell says diesel buses emit fumes like formaldehyde and benzene, the same chemicals found in cigarettes. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: AZ's Dirty Energy Negatively Impacts Kids, Federal Dollars Could Help

April is Earth Month, and for many climate scientists and advocates across the world, it's a time to raise environmental awareness. In Arizona…

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA has the authority to set enforceable regulations for drinking water contaminants and require monitoring of public water systems. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Group: EPA's Limit on PFAS Chemicals 'Crucial'

Groups advocating for clean water in Arizona are applauding an Environmental Protection Agency plan to limit toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances…

The Nature Conservancy says the most extensive study to date assessed regeneration of eight major tree conifer species after 334 wildfires across the West, using information from more than 10,000 field plots. (Adobe Stock)

Research: Hotter, Drier Conditions Limit AZ Forest Recovery from Wildfires

New research has found hotter and drier climate conditions are making it less likely for forests in Arizona and across the Western United States to re…

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AZ: Environment