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Fall 2006
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PRISTINE FORESTS—Arizona’s roadless forests could be marred by logging and drilling. Roadless forests are critical to protecting water supplies. |
Roadless National Forest Protections Urged
Arizonans across the state have attended public meetings to support protecting 100 percent of Arizona’s roadless national forest lands. Concerned citizens have also provided comments to Gov. Napolitano and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the agency charged with collecting public input on the issue.
Roadless lands are crucial to protecting our forest watersheds, guarding against dangerous wildfires, and protecting wildlife and their habitat. They also present recreational opportunities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.
With more than one-half of America’s national forests already open to logging, mining and drilling, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule was intended to preserve the last third of undeveloped forestlands. In May 2001, under pressure from Congress and the public, the Bush administration pledged to uphold the rule, promising only minor changes. However, the administration repealed the Rule in May 2005, despite strong public support for preserving roadless areas.
To prevent logging, drilling and other development, Gov. Napolitano must petition to protect Arizona roadless areas, in order to safeguard our last remaining pristine forests.
Solar Incentives Legislation Signed Into Law
Solar energy got a boost last session, when Arizona PIRG-backed legislation passed that provides incentives for installing solar energy systems. The bill gives a solar commercial tax credit, a tax exemption for solar energy systems and a property tax exemption for property owners installing solar energy systems.
Gov. Napolitano signed the measure into law, helping Arizona take another step towards cleaner energy. Solar energy will protect public health, improve rural economies, increase our energy independence and provide a more stable energy supply. With Arizona’s potential for solar energy generation, Arizona PIRG will continue to advocate nation-leading standards for solar energy.
Fraud Fighter Accounts Launched
Attorney General Terry Goddard recently announced a new identity theft protection program, the Fraud Fighter Account, to protect Arizona’s consumers from financial exploitation. Arizona PIRG endorses the program, along with other public interest advocates.
“The Fraud Fighters Account is another tool in the toolbox to protect consumers from identity theft,” said Diane E. Brown, executive director of Arizona PIRG.
These accounts, which will be offered by participating credit unions and banks, allow consumers to choose options that include limiting withdrawals, delaying suspicious transactions, limiting electronic access, and notifying a trusted third party if suspicious transactions are attempted.
“These accounts will provide a safety net for those who have special concerns for their financial safety,” said Goddard. “We have to make efforts to proactively protect ourselves and our seniors.”
Arizona PIRG Advocates Food Safety
Powerful interests in the food industry have been using their influence to back the so-called “National Uniformity for Food Act.”
The bill slashes our food safety net, and removes basic right-to-know protections that give consumers the power to know if toxic chemicals are in their food. The food industry’s plan would take away the power of states and local governments to continue to protect their citizens.
Arizona PIRG is calling on members of our congressional delegation to oppose the “National Uniformity for Food Act” and any bill that would take away the rights of states to protect people from harmful chemicals in food.
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