Learn About the Arizona Legislature to Better Advocate with It

Sandy Bahr speaking at a committee meeting at AZ legislature

In addition to advocating for water conservation, climate action and environmental policies on the local  level, a big part of our work is weighing in on bills at the state legislature using the online Request to Speak system when the session starts up again January 12th. 

It only improves our advocacy to learn more about how the legislature works. In fact, I was inspired to start this group after attending the Sierra Club's Volunteer Lobby Workshop and Environmental Day at the Capitol. I would greatly encourage you to attend their upcoming Volunteer Lobby Workshop.. 

Volunteer Lobby Workshop! Learn About the Legislature

Date and Time:
Tue, Oct 7, 2025; 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM  (Arizona)

Organized By: Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter

Join the Sierra Club for this workshop to learn more about Arizona government, focusing on the Arizona Legislature, and how to lobby/advocate for change at the Capitol. They will cover the basics, including how a bill goes through the process, plus hear from people who have testified in committee and possibly from one of our legislators. They have allowed extra time for questions and answers.

Register to get the Zoom link:

https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po000019073pIAA

Additional Directions: Send any questions you would like them to address ahead of time, but you will have time to ask during the workshop, too. sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org

Take Action: Protect the San Pedro River and Our Climate

Your voice is needed to defend the Sky Islands on two fronts — one local, the other national.

 

1) The San Pedro River, a life force in our region, is at risk from an aluminum melting plant proposed for Benson, Arizona. The 200-acre facility would be located right next to the river and has raised concerns about water usage, air pollutants, and toxic run-off, especially worrisome given the company’s track record of violations. Get more details and sign a coalition petition opposing this project.  

https://www.change.org/p/save-our-health-our-river-from-industrial-harm-in-benson-az

 

2) The Trump administration recently proposed to repeal the EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding, in which the agency formally acknowledged decades of science showing how greenhouse gases harm the climate and our health. The finding set the stage for crucial regulatory actions, as well as emission limits on factories, power plants, vehicles, and agriculture. If the finding is revoked, it’ll eliminate the legal basis for the EPA to rein in pollution under the Clean Air Act, harming people and our climate and pushing species closer to the brink. Learn more and take action with our allies at the Center for Biological Diversity (comments due Sept. 22).

https://act.biologicaldiversity.org/cMe-8_08KUGelloWGdcskw2

- Action by Sky Island Alliance 

Oppose the 2001 Roadless Rule Rescission proposal

Roadless Inventoried Areas in the Coronado National Forest

Please oppose the 2001 roadless rescission proposal. The science behind the proposal is flawed and this really is just another step to destroying our environment, local communities, clean water, etc all for fossil fuels and big industry profits. Please comment before the comment period ends September 19th using the link below.

https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FS-2025-0001/document?withinCommentPeriod=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawMiwitleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2cEp5T1dGMXZPdFdSdUVPAR4-p1TYfn-Xi1prywXhbP1VGIV7sgOPXut6FS1tJA9-oUHBINMFMwf_RKsUlA_aem_cODZZS2nqICUIgnCmbVoRQ

Below is a sample comment specifically tailored towards AZ. It is always good to personalize the comment if you can.

Subject: Comment Opposing the Proposed Rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed rescission or weakening of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule(Roadless Rule), particularly as it applies to roadless areas in Arizona’s national forests. These areas are among the last remaining intact ecosystems in our state and play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity, water quality, climate resilience, and cultural heritage.

Arizona’s approximately 1.2 million acres of roadless national forest lands—including parts of the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto National Forests—represent some of the most ecologically sensitive and scenic landscapes in the Southwest. These lands support critical habitat for imperiled species such as the Mexican spotted owl, Gila trout, and jaguar, as well as providing essential ecosystem services like water filtration for millions downstream.

The original 2001 rule was based on the most extensive public comment process in Forest Service history, receiving over 1.6 million comments—with more than 95% in favor of protecting roadless areas. There is no new compelling scientific, legal, or democratic rationale for undoing this policy. Instead, a rescission would undermine public trust and jeopardize decades of bipartisan conservation progress.

Road-building in these fragile areas would increase the risk of:

* Wildfire ignition and spread, especially in Arizona’s arid forests already suffering from drought and climate stress;

* Habitat fragmentation, leading to the decline of native wildlife populations;

* Cultural resource damage, including impacts on sacred Indigenous sites and traditional uses;

* Loss of recreational opportunities that depend on solitude and natural integrity.

The Roadless Rule does not prohibit fire prevention, forest restoration, or community safety projects—it only restricts unnecessary road construction and industrial development in the most ecologically valuable areas. Arizona communities value these lands not for extractive development but for clean water, wildlife, and quiet recreation.

I urge the Forest Service to retain the full protections of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject any proposal that would erode the ecological and cultural legacy of Arizona’s national forests.

Thank you for considering my comment.

Sincerely,�[Your Full Name]�[Optional: Title / Affiliation / Tribe / Organization, if applicable] More information:
Repealing 'Roadless Rule,' Trump rolls back protections for 58M acres of forests & wildlands