'Environmental Road Show' Stops in Globe

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's “Environmental Road Show” stops in Globe today (Tuesday) from 1 to 3:pm at the Gila County Courthouse.

ADEQ staff will discuss potential recycling funding opportunities, future electronic waste recycling events and brownfields grant opportunities.

ADOT’s Adopt a Highway officials will also be there to talk about the process for volunteers to adopt sections of Arizona highways for litter cleanup.

And Keep Arizona Beautiful officials will discuss their statewide litter prevention and beautification programs.

The free event is open to everyone. 

Freeport Morenci Natural Resource Injury Settlement

The US District Court for Arizona has approved a $6.8 million settlement involving the State of Arizona, the US Department of the Interior and Freeport McMoRan Corporation for natural resource damages resulting from the release of hazardous substances from the Freeport Morenci mine.

The settlement money will be used for for the restoration of Arizona wildlife populations and their habitat.

Forest Officials Seek Comment on Sunchief Mill Site

Tonto National Forest officials are seeking public comment on the Draft Report of the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis for the Sunchief Mill Site.

The purpose of the report is to present a detailed analysis of cleanup alternatives.

The report concludes that the site has environmental concerns related to arsenic, asbestos, chromium and lead. The recommended alternative for the site is to remove structures, excavate waste sources and dispose at appropriate licensed facilities.

To review the report and the Administrative Record at the Globe Ranger District office, call Brad Johnson at 402-6234.

Public comments are due by Monday, April 16.

Deadline Extended for CSP Applications

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has extended the deadline for producer applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program. The deadline is now January 27.

The Conservation Stewardship Program is a voluntary incentives program that rewards farmers, ranchers and forestry producers for conservation efforts that provide environmental benefits beyond their farm or ranch. The program pays producers for clean water, better soil management, improved habitat, energy efficiency and other natural resource benefits.

For information call the Center for Rural Affairs Farm Bill Helpline at 402-687-2100.

Poll Says EPA, Not Congress Should Determine Air Standards

A new poll shows that 75% of voters believe that the US Environmental Protection Agency should determine air pollution standards, not Congress.

Eighty-eight percent of Democrats, 85% of Independents and 58 % of Republicans oppose Congress stopping the EPA from setting new limits to control air pollution from coal plants.

The clean energy advocay group Fresh Energy says pollutants from Arizona’s coal-fired power plants are triggering more asthma attacks and hospital visits, and in some cases premature death for people with respiratory disease.

The group says that when the Clean Air Act was last updated 21 years ago, the US House voted for it 401 to 21. The Senate approved it 89 to 10.

More information on the poll can be found at fresh-energy.org.

US 60 Gonzales Pass Project Receives Award

The environmental advocacy group Valley Forward has given the “President’s Award” to the Arizona Department of Transportation for the US 60 Gonzales Pass project.

The 10-mile scenic stretch of highway is the gateway from the Phoenix metro area to the communities of Superior, Globe, Miami, and the Tonto National Forest.

The $40 million project opened in October 2008, eight months ahead of schedule. The project between Florence Junction and Superior improved the safety and capacity of the two lane roadway by widening it to a four lane divided highway.

The project was also recognized as one of the top ten roads in America by Roads and Bridges Magazine in 2009.

Arizona Considers Repeal of Emission Rules

A proposal from Governor Brewer and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality would repeal Arizona’s tough vehicle emissions standards. Public News Service reports that under federal law, states can choose to follow the national EPA standards or the more strict California emission rules. Arizona and 12 other states follow the California emission rules.

The state is claiming that the federal standards are similar to the California standards but the benefits of keeping the California rules don’t justify the higher cost.

Arizona Public Interest Research Group Director Diane Brown says the state should be implementing not repealing clean air programs.

Gila County and Yuma County have received an “F” for ozone pollution along with the two metropolitan counties. Brown says clean cars produce less air pollution which reduces health problems, such as asthma attacks.

A public hearing on the repeal of the Arizona Clean Cars Program will be held on June 21 in Phoenix.

Blue Planet Film Fest Arizona

The First Annual Blue Planet Film Fest Arizona will be held next week in the Mill Avenue District in Tempe. The film lineup includes more than a dozen world and US premieres of environmental and animal welfare films.

The event includes fest-themed vendor booths and vegan gourmet snacks. And the admission price includes lunch and dinner gourmet vegan buffets, and post-screening audience interactive events.

Blue Planet Film Fest runs Thursday, May 12 through Sunday, May 15.