Here is what is working in Arizona
The business and private sectors should appreciate the goals of the Ducey administration’s initiative to improve government referred to as the Arizona Management System (AMS), which focuses on understanding “customer” needs, identifying problems, improving processes and measuring results.
State’s no-hire list is short — it’s tough to get blacklisted
It takes a whole lot to end up on the state’s list of people who won’t be considered for jobs. In fact, the state’s employment blacklist only includes four people, two of whom stole money from state coffers.
Water quality app can make a ‘citizen scientist’ of any Arizonan
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality wants people who are out enjoying the outdoors to contribute to the study of the state’s streams, washes, rivers and lakes through a new app.
Arizona ozone levels rise as feds tighten air quality restrictions
Across much of Arizona there was more ozone in the air this summer than there was last year, including several days in Phoenix where the levels spiked into the unhealthy range.
ADEQ at odds with advisory panel over septic system regulations
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality disagrees with its own advisory committee, which says current septic system regulations need a serious update to ensure protection of groundwater.
From toilet to tap, brew challenge shows safe reuse of water
Under a special permit, 26 breweries already made use of reclaimed wastewater as the basis for new craft beers.
EPA funding cuts expected to impact Arizona air, water programs
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality expects reductions in grant funding from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, but a lack of specifics have impeded planning.
Health care politics, environment take the air out of asthma sufferers
The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates that the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid program, pays for more than half of the estimated $115 million spent every year on asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
McCain hits Kirkpatrick over Obamacare in TV ad
The Republican primary is three months away, but U.S. Sen. John McCain already has his eyes on the general election and is taking an early shot at his likely Democratic opponent.
State delays action on air quality permits for uranium mines
State officials are delaying action on air quality permits for three uranium mines after one test revealed a spike in soil contamination.
Ducey aide Vogt leaving administration, to be replaced by DEQ director
A top staffer in Gov. Doug Ducey’s administration is leaving for the private sector after seven months on the job. Ted Vogt, Ducey’s chief of operations, will leave the Governor’s Office later this month for a job in the private sector.
Legislative committee would oversee state carbon emissions plan
A Senate panel unanimously approved a strike-everything amendment that would provide legislative oversight while allowing a state agency to submit a clean power plan to the Environmental Protection Agency.