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Recent Articles from Jessica Testa, Cronkite News Service
Bill to protect Arizona State Parks revenue a step closer to law
A bill that would protect Arizona State Parks revenue from legislative sweeps skipped over the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, taking it one step closer to becoming law. HB 2362, authored by Rep. Karen Fann, R–Prescott, has received House approval and an endorsement from the Senate Natural Resources and Transportation Committee.
Environmentalists fear utility will be exempt from efficiency requirement
Environmentalists fear that the Arizona Corporation Commission may waive its stringent energy efficiency standards rather than approve a power-cutting plan submitted by Tucson Electric Power and scheduled for a vote Friday.
Attempt to revive voter-approved Heritage Fund stalled in House
A lawmaker’s attempt to have Arizonans decide whether to revive the voter–approved Heritage Fund is stalled in the House.
Alternative fuel vehicles parked at Capitol to garner legislative support
A cherry picker and a cab. A Tesla and an 18–wheeler. A frozen food truck and a school bus. Parked in front of the State Capitol, these vehicles had more in common than wheels.
Mesa to be in national spotlight as it hosts GOP debate
In 2009, this city had so many foreclosures that President Barack Obama appeared at one of its high schools to speak about the national housing crisis. In 2011, a Mesa district recalled its state senator and anti-immigration leader Russell Pearce in a historic election. A month ago, Gov. Jan Brewer shook her finger at Obama at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Bill to protect Arizona State Parks revenue advances
A bill that would protect Arizona State Parks revenues from budget sweeps and allow the agency to use the money for operations took its first step Thursday in the state House.
House Democrats pushing renewable energy bills
Give money to schools to install solar panels on their roofs. Eliminate extra paperwork for homeowners seeking to install panels on their roofs. Endorse a plan that encourages utilities to invest in the state’s renewable energy industry.
Rural lawmaker seeks halt to state sweeping Arizona State Parks revenues
Arizona State Parks would be able to protect the revenue it raises from budget sweeps and use it for park operations under legislation proposed by a rural lawmaker.
U.S. interior secretary touts giant Gila Bend solar plant’s economic impact
While touring a solar power generating station that will provide power to tens of thousands of Arizona homes, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Wednesday that America’s embrace of renewable energy will create jobs and boost the economy.
State emissions program repealed in favor of milder federal regulations
The Governor’s Regulatory Review Council voted Tuesday to repeal the state’s Clean Cars program, a set of tailpipe-emissions standards adopted in 2008, in favor of less-stringent federal regulations.
Rural lawmakers excited to have leaders from beyond Phoenix, Tucson
Unlike his colleagues from the Valley and Tucson, Democratic Sen. Jack Jackson Jr. of Window Rock comes to the State Capitol with concerns that he calls “Third World.”
But after he and other Senate Democrats met a month ago with new Senate President Steve Pierce, R-Prescott, Jackson said he’s optimistic that the needs of the Navajo Nation will be better recognized.
