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Legislative Updates 2007Sierra Club 2007 Legislative Update #1 “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” —James Madison January 6, 2007 Hello Conservation Friends! Happy New Year! We hope these weekly legislative updates/alerts will help you throughout the legislative session to be “armed” with a bit more knowledge regarding what is happening at 1700 W. Washington, what is in the bills, and what the consequences of those bills will be. On Monday, the Forty-eighth Legislature will begin its work. First, the Governor will deliver her State of the State address outlining her legislative agenda. We have heard that she will likely talk about air quality, growth, and water, among other issues. We hope that she will outline a strong agenda, that the Legislature will listen, and that we will make some progress this session with cleaning up the air; protecting our water, including that which is flowing in the Verde, the San Pedro, and other Arizona rivers; and promoting some strong programs for renewable energy and energy efficiency. It would be great if we could also do something regarding growth management and planning as well. Unfortunately, they are not starting out the week very effectively. One of the first bills to be considered is a bill to direct $450,000,000 to expediting freeway construction. Apparently, there are those who are saying this will help improve air quality. Huh? More cars and more pavement does not equal better air. Coming up this week at the Legislature (agendas can change throughout the week, not all bills are listed): Monday, January 8 Governor’s State of the State address at approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 9 Senate Committee on Appropriations at 1:30 p.m. in Senate Hearing Room 109 Fiscal Year 2007-08 Budget Overview SB1049 appropriation; highway construction (Burns) appropriates $450,000,000 for expediting freeway construction from the Budget Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund). OPPOSE. House Committee on Government at 1:30 p.m. in House Hearing Room 4 HB2034 governor’s regulatory review council; continuation (Adams) continues it to 2017. NO POSITION. HB2044 outdoor recreation commission; sunset continuation (Adams) continues it to 2017. NO POSITION Wednesday, January 10 House Natural Resources and Public Safety Committee at 9:00 a.m. in House Hearing Room 1 Presentation by Game and Fish and State Parks on Off-Highway Vehicle use in Arizona Senate Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee at 1:30 p.m. in Senate Hearing Room 109 Presentations by Arizona Rock Products Association on Copper Wire Recycling, Central Arizona Project, Arizona Department of Water Resources, and Salt River Project. House Appropriations Committee at 1:30 p.m. in House Hearing Room 1 Fiscal Year 2007-08 Budget Overview Thursday, January 11 House Transportation Committee at 9:00 a.m. in House Hearing Room 3 Presentation by Arizona Department of Transportation Victor Mendez House Water and Agriculture Committee at 9:00 a.m. in House Hearing Room 1 Presentations by Arizona Department of Water Resources, Salt River Project, and Central Arizona Project
Citizen Lobbyist Workshop on Thursday, January 11, 2007 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Tucson Botanical Gardens 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson. Now, more than ever, Arizona’s environment needs your voice. We need more people speaking up to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, and for clean air, clean water, and protection of important wildlife habitat. If you are interested in learning more about the Arizona Legislature and advocating for environmental protection — how to, do's and don'ts, key issues and players, and much more, please come to this fun and informative event. We will provide materials and some good snacks. To r.s.v.p or to learn more about the workshop, please contact Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633 or email sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org It is important that you r.s.v.p. as space is limited and we also need to make sure there are an adequate number of packets and materials. Please let us know no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 10, if you plan to attend this workshop. For more information on these bills go to http://arizona.sierraclub.org/political_action/tracker/. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the issue and to contact your legislators. Mark your calendar for February 6, 2007 at 8am for Progressive Lobby Day and for March 20 at 9am for Environmental Legislative Day. To email legislators go to http://www.azleg.state.az.us/MemberRoster.asp . If you are not sure who your legislators are, please go to http://www.vote-smart.org (You will need your 9-digit zipcode.) or call the House or Senate information desks. If you're outside the Phoenix area, you can call your legislators’ offices toll free at 1-800-352-8404. In the Phoenix area call (602) 926-3559 (Senate) or (602) 926-4221 (House). Correspondence goes to 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007-2890. For more information on legislation go to http://www.azleg.state.az.us/.
Sierra Club, Grand Canyon Chapter, 202 E. McDowell Rd, Suite 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 253-8633 |