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Nature and Environment

Traffic in Phoenix with the city's downtown skyline in the distance.

EPA won’t expand pollutant rule — ‘mistake’ during COVID-19, critics say

Apr 15, 2020 The agency said it isn't going to toughen air quality standards, which environmentalists say is "totally backwards."
Cars moving through Tucson.

Want to delay your emissions test in Arizona? Only if you're 65+

Apr 14, 2020 ADEQ says they're working to reduce risk during emissions testing, and that clean air helps us all, including those with COVID-19.
A view of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.

Environmentalists sue BLM over grazing in San Pedro conservation area

Apr 10, 2020 Groups say allowing cattle grazing to continue harms the San Pedro's riparian landscape.
A construction worker works on installing 30-foot bollard fencing along Arizona's border with Mexico in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, February 2020.

Lawsuits challenging border wall funding can move forward, judge rules

Apr 8, 2020 A U.S. District Court judge last week ruled two lawsuits brought by environmental groups will be allowed to continue.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's patrol ship M/V Farley Mowat in the Sea of Cortez in September 2019.

Group suspends efforts to protect endangered vaquita during pandemic

Apr 6, 2020 The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society says it will resume operations to protect the small porpoise in the Gulf of California as soon as it's safe.
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 defends plan to ease compliance requirements in face of coronavirus

Apr 2, 2020 Environmentalists have repeated charges that the policy creates a "catch me if you can" situation for polluters.
A view from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, next to the Kolb Studio, September 2018.

Officials call for Grand Canyon closure to help stem coronavirus spread

Apr 1, 2020 A letter to the secretary of the interior says keeping the parks open puts workers and visitors at risk.
Evolutionary biologist Michael Worobey says it's not a safe bet to expect warm weather to stop the coronavirus.

Don't count on warm weather to ease coronavirus spread, says biologist

Mar 27, 2020 The virus is still too new and unfamiliar to fully understand.
Many Navajo haul non-potable water from windmills like this one for their sheep and to do the washing.

Navajo access to water compounds response to coronavirus

Mar 26, 2020 Many on the Navajo Nation must drive miles for water, groceries and necessities.
A Mexican wolf.

Mexican wolf numbers jump 24% from last year

Mar 23, 2020 The Mexican subspecies of the gray wolf was nearly eliminated in the wild by 1970.
A construction worker works on installing 30-foot bollard fencing along Arizona's border with Mexico in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, February 2020.

Environmental advocates say planned border construction threatens jaguar corridors

Mar 19, 2020 CBP announced plans to build more than 90 miles of border wall in an area advocates say is predominantly remote wilderness.

Your tap water is still safe, say Arizona water agencies

Mar 19, 2020 Answers to FAQs about the safety and supply of water in Arizona amid the pandemic, according to water officials.
The Nature Conservancy's Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve.

Nature Conservancy closes public preserves to limit COVID-19 spread

Mar 18, 2020 Ramsey Canyon Preserve and Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve are temporarily closed.
The entrance to Saguaro National Park east.

As Tumamoc Hill closes, Saguaro National Park stays open, suspending fees and closing visitor centers

Mar 18, 2020 The park is also canceling programs in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 118,000 acres southwest of Tucson and includes a stretch of the border with Mexico.

Borderlands symposium explores web of people, wildlife in Sonoran Desert

Mar 17, 2020 The Ajo conference last week brought together scientists, tribal leaders and community members.
Oak Flat, east of Superior, Arizona. A company proposes to build one of the world's largest underground copper mines at this location.

Opponents of proposed copper mine speak out about threat to Oak Flat

Mar 17, 2020 Indigenous and environmental advocates say the Resolution Copper Mine would irreparably harm the site of cultural and environmental significance.

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