No on Proposition 105 - State Lands.  

This measure was referred to the ballot by the Arizona Legislature to counter the Conserving Arizona's Future Initiative. While the Sierra Club is neutral on the citizen's initiative (see below, Proposition 106), we do not think it is appropriate for the Legislature to try and confuse voters in order to defeat it: a citizen proposal should pass or fail based on its merits, not on voter confusion. Proposition 105 is being sold as a conservation measure, but it actually conserves very little land, only 42,511 acres. To conserve any additional land under this proposition, the Legislature first has to establish a process and then has to approve each additional parcel. This referendum says "up to 400,000 acres" can be conserved, but establishes no minimum conservation requirement. Considering the Arizona Legislature's general hostility to conservation, it is highly unlikely that very much in the way of additional land would ever be conserved. Clearly this proposition is not about conservation, it is about the Legislature continuing to interfere with citizen initiatives. We strongly urge you to vote NO on Proposition 105.

Neutral on Proposition 106 - State Lands.  

The Sierra Club-Grand Canyon Chapter is neutral on this Proposition, the Conserving Arizona's Future Initiative. It is not easy for the Chapter to sit on the sidelines, but we did not arrive there without a great deal of consideration. We are pleased that the initiative identifies some important lands for conservation and that it does not include automatic renewal of grazing leases or land swaps, both of which would result in additional environmental harm and were included in previous measures. Our main concern, however, is that this initiative will result in expedited development on those lands, more than 8 million acres, not included in the package. The definition of development is also an issue; it precludes construction of buildings, but allows construction of roads, canals, power transmission lines, and cell phone towers. The November ballot will be crowded. The decisions will be tough.  We strongly encourage you to READ Proposition 106.

Yes on Proposition 201 - Smoke-Free.   

This measure is the Smoke-Free Arizona Act and promotes clean indoor air quality in all of Arizona's public places by prohibiting smoking in those areas. There is no greater issue with indoor air pollution than that of second hand smoke. The Sierra Club has long supported public health measures to improve indoor air quality in Arizona and across the country. This measure is another important effort to promote a healthier future for all Arizonans.  Please vote YES on Proposition 201.

Yes on Proposition 204 - Humane Farms.

The Humane Farming Initiative deals with one aspect of factory farms requiring that pregnant pigs and calves raised for veal have adequate space to lie down, turn-around and stretch their limbs. It is a modest proposal to address one concern about large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). There are serious negative environmental impacts from large CAFOs where thousands of animals are confined in one facility. These facilities are not only inhumane, but they also produce enormous amounts of animal waste. This waste can leak into our rivers and streams contaminating our drinking water and spreading disease. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hog, chicken and cattle waste has polluted 35,000 miles of rivers in 22 states and contaminated groundwater in 17 states. Currently, Arizona has relatively few of these operations.  We should keep it that way. Proposition 204 moves Arizona another step in the right direction.  Please SUPPORT Proposition 204.

No on Proposition 207 - Takings.  

This Proposition, the deceptively titled "Private Property Rights Protection Act," is a confusing bait-and-switch proposition on this fall's ballot that pretends to guard against eminent domain problems. In reality, it is an extremely expensive, confusing and bureaucratic measure designed to take away our ability to protect our property values, our neighborhoods, and our environment. Proposition 207 is being funded primarily by out-of-state speculators via a front group called "Americans for Limited Government." If Arizona voters take their bait on the ballot this fall, we, not these out-of-state pockets, will have to live with the consequences of this costly and unwise initiative. If adopted, this measure would either cost taxpayers plenty, draining funds from important public services, or more likely result in no enforcement of laws which protect property values and communities.  Examples of actions that would be limited by this proposition include wash or hillside protection ordinances and wildlife habitat preservation, among others. Please vote NO on Proposition 207.