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Nature and Environment

Effluent gushes out of the outfall, into the Santa Cruz River. The outfall of water is constantly flowing, but there is a diurnal fluctuation due to cyclical human water use.

Reviving the Santa Cruz: efforts to restore Arizona’s endangered river

Apr 17, 2024 Local groups push for Urban National Wildlife Refuge designation.
An electric transmission line.

US court rejects a request by tribes to block $10B SunZia energy transmission project in Arizona

Apr 16, 2024 The project — approved in 2015 following a lengthy review — has been touted as the biggest U.S. electricity infrastructure undertaking since the Hoover Dam was built in the 1930s.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park sits at the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River. Photo taken on March 23, 2024.

‘Absolute beautiful place’: Rockin’ River Ranch State Park opens in Camp Verde

Apr 15, 2024 Arizona’s newest state park sits between Phoenix and Flagstaff, at the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River.
A picnic area has been closed during an eradication effort at this site in Pima County.

The Buzz: Invasive plants and wildfire danger

Apr 12, 2024 Arizona's increasing risk of wildfire and encroaching invasive plants are putting native plants in peril.
Amistades staff working in a community garden in Douglas, Ariz.

By Latinos, for Latinos, Amistades Receives $500,000 grant from EPA for climate justice initiative

Apr 11, 2024 Justicia Juntos or Justice Together, looks to raise awareness and provide education on climate resilience.
The Environmental Protection Agency lashed out against critics of its decision to ease enforcement of some reporting requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the policy had been distorted by opponents. But environmental groups were not convinced, saying it creates a “catch me if you can” situation for polluters.

EPA takes bold action against PFAS contamination

Apr 10, 2024 New standards promise safer drinking water for millions, marking a significant victory in environmental health
A view from the Atascosa Borderlands in the Coronado National Forest.

Coronado National Forest launches Cochran Fellowship Program

Apr 9, 2024 Cross-border collaborative training in southeastern Arizona
President Joe Biden listens to Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, left, as Intel factory manager Hugh Green listens, during a tour of the Intel Ocotillo Campus, in Chandler, Ariz., Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Arizona’s Clean Tech Boom: $90 billion invested, ‘thousands of jobs created'

Apr 8, 2024 Driving innovation and employment growth in the fight against climate change
The stinknet weed (Oncosiphon pilulifer), seen here with a key for scale, was being traded as Globe chamomile before being renamed. Scientists say it is an invasive plant in our region.

Invasive Plant is Causing Concern in the Sonoran Desert

Apr 1, 2024 South African native can flourish in Central and Southern Arizona
The shaft tower at the Energy Fuels Inc. uranium Pinyon Plain Mine is shown Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, near Tusayan, Ariz. The largest uranium producer in the United States is ramping up work just south of Grand Canyon National Park on a long-contested project that largely has sat dormant since the 1980s.

Uranium is being mined near the Grand Canyon as prices soar and the US pushes for more nuclear power

Mar 30, 2024 The largest uranium producer in the United States is ramping up work at a mine less than 10 miles from the rim of the Grand Canyon.
A group of local scientists finally found De Winton's golden mole on a recent expedition.

Once lost to science, these "uncharismatic" animals are having their moment

Mar 29, 2024 Species gain this "lost" status when there hasn't been a trace of them in 10 years, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Tucson City Council member Steve Kozachik outside City Hall.

The Buzz: A longtime City Council member steps down

Mar 29, 2024 Steve Kozachik has been a known quantity on the council for more than a decade. He now leaves for a job that mirrors his past career.
Gabrielle Cardenas, Brian Eller, and Bishop Edward Weisenburger sit on a panel discussion moderated by Ellen Fisher, on Monday, March 18, at the St. Thomas More Newman Center in Tucson, Ariz. Fisher (left) is the assistant director of the Catholic University of America in Tucson.

Bishop Weisenburger and Catholic leaders champion environmental justice in panel discussion

Mar 23, 2024 Uniting faith and environmental stewardship to address the moral imperative of climate change.
One of the pits at the Morenci Mine in eastern Arizona, which has one one of the largest copper reserves in the United States.

Federal government allocates $475 million for clean energy projects on mine lands nationwide

Mar 21, 2024 The Morenci and Safford copper mines will recieve some of the funding.

SunZia Transmission Project sparks legal dispute over sacred sites preservation

Mar 14, 2024 The Tohono O’odham Nation and San Carlos Apache Tribe seek to halt construction, citing threats to cultural heritage.
A sink of dirty dishes reflects a family scenario that may be familiar to many. The audio drama "Daughter Putting on Airs" was written by Alejandro Canelos,

Ten-Minute Dramas returns with "Daughter Putting On Airs".

Mar 14, 2024 Also on Arizona Spotlight: UA receives a historic donation of WWII memorabilia; visitors to the 2024 Tucson Festival of Books share "A Book I Love"; and an essay about the beauty of Agua Caliente Hill.

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