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Committee advances three memorials and resolutions on EPA region, Palo Verde and mining
Summary
The Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee returned three non‑statutory measures with due‑pass recommendations: a memorial urging the EPA to move Region 9 responsibilities or office, a concurrent resolution supporting Palo Verde nuclear generating station, and a concurrent resolution endorsing mining and domestic mineral production.
The Arizona House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water returned three concurrent measures with due‑pass recommendations after brief hearings.
House Concurrent Memorial 2008 urged the president and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency director to consider moving Arizona from EPA Region 9 into Region 8 or to relocate the Region 9 office from California to Arizona; backers said Region 8’s geographic and hydrologic alignment better fits some Arizona issues. After brief discussion the committee approved HCM 2008; the recorded committee vote was 6 ayes, 4 nays.
House Concurrent Resolution 2022 expressed the legislature’s support for the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and for the role of nuclear generation in meeting Arizona’s energy needs. Sponsors and industry witnesses noted Palo Verde’s regional economic impact and that the plant uses reclaimed water rather than surface water. The committee returned HCR 2022 with a due‑pass recommendation (vote recorded 6 ayes, 4 nays).
House Concurrent Resolution 2044 emphasized the importance of mining and domestic minerals, urging responsible development and streamlined permitting. Industry witnesses described the sector’s statewide economic footprint and employment contribution. The committee returned HCR 2044 with a due‑pass recommendation (vote recorded 6 ayes, 4 nays).
Ending: Each measure will advance in the legislative process; sponsors and committee members signaled varied views on regional EPA alignment, nuclear support and mining but moved the measures forward for further consideration.
