Clean Energy

The Key to a Better Economy for Arizona

BY STEVEN G. ZYLSTRA

WWith the war in Ukraine and the spike in gas prices, it is clearer than ever that we need to invest in clean energy solutions made in America — and led by Arizona businesses.

Arizona is in a prime position to lead in the transition to a clean energy economy and end America’s dependence on foreign oil. Arizona’s climate and natural beauty are magnets for so many people and employers that they are often why people move here. But if extreme heat, drought and wildfires keep arising, people and companies won't be able to stay. We must continue to move our economy away from fossil fuels and transition to clean energy technologies. We need to break our addiction to oil, gas and coal while growing Arizona’s clean energy economy with sources like solar, hydrogen and wind. The good news is that progress is possible — if Congress finishes the job it started. Arizona was fortunate last year that Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s leadership helped deliver a bipartisan infrastructure law. These funding streams will be critical to Arizona, especially for high-speed internet services, improved water infrastructure and better roads. Another enormous step forward came last fall when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, which included the most aggressive climate action policy ever considered in Congress. This policy would provide $550 billion in investments to put us on a path toward cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030 by trimming energy costs for consumers and creating millions of well-paying cleanenergy jobs. This farsighted strategy plays to Arizona’s strengths and will benefit our state for decades to come. Advanced energy sector jobs have topped 60,000 and are growing rapidly, especially in the wind, solar and electric vehicle (EV) sectors. For perspective, that’s more jobs than workers in our

state’s grocery stores and double the number of agriculture and mining jobs. These clean-energy wages in Arizona average $21.27 an hour — almost 15% above the median wage in the state. That’s why we need to make sure there is a serious investment in renewable energy jobs, including on the Navajo Nation. EVs are at the center of this clean-energy transformation, but the U.S. is locked in a global race with our competitors for the rising wave of EV jobs and the economic and manufacturing benefits that they will bring. The U.S. can build the future of automotive technologies if Congress supports a transition to EVs that are made domestically, along with good-paying automaking jobs that can’t be outsourced. One key to this transformation will be clean vehicle tax credits to help Arizonans when they buy new and used electric cars and trucks. More and more electric vehicles are appearing on our roads, and many are manufactured here in Arizona, including by Lucid Motors in Casa Grande, Nikola Corp. in Coolidge and Atlis Motor Vehicles in Mesa. To succeed, the vehicle manufacturers also need cleanmanufacturing tax credits to help create jobs and spur production. These credits will also aid makers of solar components and advanced batteries. Congress also must support cleaning up industrial processes so our manufacturing base can remain competitive in the new global clean energy economy. Being the world’s clean-energy leader also means providing tax incentives for R&D investments in transmission, energy storage, clean fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, direct air capture, advanced energy manufacturing and green hydrogen. Speaking of hydrogen, Nikola announced plans to break ground later this year on its first hydrogen production hub in Arizona while Air Liquide recently proposed building a Phoenix facility to supply ultra-high-purity hydrogen for semiconductor processing. If Congress acts, Arizona can be a national and international leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. We can put our most abundant resource — sunshine — to work by attracting more companies to do business in our great state. The right policies can help companies create the kind of high-paying jobs that Arizonans can comfortably raise a family on. Arizonans, like all Americans, are focused on threats coming from the warming climate. They want to cut the pollution that causes climate change. They also want to rebuild our economy with 21st-century, high-wage, cleanenergy jobs to help rebuild the middle class that has made the U.S. economy one of the strongest in the world. In other words, this isn’t just about the vehicles we drive. It’s about transforming the lives of the workers who build them — and ensuring a clean, prosperous future for all.

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GREENShe’s GREENHe’s

BY JENNIFER & JOHN BURKHART

Last month we celebrated our Mother Earth, and now it's time to celebrate again. Time to celebrate the mothers in our lives and show them just how special they are. No matter how you choose to honor a mother this month, whether a phone call, a visit, a gift — make it count. No time like the present to share love and appreciation for those you hold dear, because tomorrow is promised to no one!

Samuel Smith Strawberry Ale

He Said: Are you a fan of beer, but like not that much? If so, this is the beer for you! This was previously brewed ale that they mixed with what tasted like tons of strawberry juice. You honestly can't taste much beer at all. So, it was a little too sweet for my liking, but I could see enjoying this more on a hot day by the pool.

She Said: Maybe Mom might want a little extra relaxation with that lovely bath? If she's into fruity drinks, but not TOO fruity, this may be a hit. It was much more strawberry than ale, but a nice mix of the two. With it only being lightly carbonated, and low alcohol content, it was smooth and easy to drink. Alaffia

Lavender Bubble Bath

He Said: Talk about a relaxing experience. Take a soak in this lavender bubble bath before bed and I promise you will sleep like a baby. The lavender fragrance was mild but still noticeable. A little goes a long way with this one, so use it sparingly. I put way too much in and ended up with a bubble mountain

She Said: I can't tell you the last time I had bubbles in my bath. I do remember getting a rash from Mr. Bubble as a kid — remember that stuff? *Shudder. Thankfully this one was very gentle, soothing, with SO many bubbles! I felt silly, but like a kid again playing with the bubbles. They also felt like a massage as they popped all around me. Loved how they lasted well over 20 minutes. Just wish my skin felt a bit more moisturized afterward. Addison & Gates

Konjac Face Sponge

He Said: This totally reminds me of those potato starch packing peanuts we used to eat as kids. You did that too right? No, just me? Okay … anyways. This face sponge was nice, and it felt like it gently exfoliated my skin, but in like a smoothing, polishing kind of way. I normally go for face scrubbers that are more like 240 grit sandpaper. I just feel like they're more effective.

She Said: We have powdered konjac in our pantry, so needless to say I was surprised to find it as an exfoliating tool! Made from the root of the konjac plant, it was super gentle with a slippery glide over my skin. Plenty of nooks and crannies to do the job, but no irritation. It felt great! After about a month of use, toss it in your compost pile. Awesome!

Pacha Soap Co.

Froth Bomb, Avocado

He said: I got confused and threw half a real avocado in the bath with me ... kidding. This bath bomb looked just like half an avocado with the pit. It had a strong, indescribable, floral scent that thankfully didn't linger on my skin after I got out (I rinsed off). The colors in this bath bomb turn the water greenish-brown, so you may want to lock the door, because if someone walks in, they're going to think you haven't bathed in years.

She Said: Head-to-toe relaxation... from an avocado? Yep! This adorable avocado-shaped bath bomb provided lots of foam, fizz, light floral aroma and sage-colored water to my 20-minute soak. The fizziness sounded like Rice Krispies all around me and tickled my skin — sometimes feeling like something crawling on me! But that was soon forgotten as the seriously silky-smooth suds calmed my mind. Spendy bath, but totally worth it.

GREENScenes May Events Throughout Arizona

May 4

Clean Air Solutions Committee Meeting

The Air Quality & Transportation Committee examines issues and opportunities in transportation, convenes public-private dialogue, makes legislative and policy suggestions and advocates for modernization of Arizona’s transportation methods and infrastructure. All transportation solutions address quality of life issues, ensuring the health, livability, and well-being for our communities — places where we can live, work and play — not just today, but for generations to come. To join in and make a difference in your community RSVP, at www.arizonaforward.org/ event/clean-air-solutions-committee/

May 5

Waste & Circular Economy Committee Meeting

The Waste as a Resource Committee examines issues and opportunities for exchanging and developing ideas, information, knowledge and technologies around ways to reduce and reuse material waste produced in the community. To RSVP for their next meeting, visit www.arizonaforward.org/take-action/issuescommittees/waste-and-circular-economy/

May 6-8

The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show Brings a Dream Closet to Scottsdale

The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show, the largest home show in the Southwest, returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 8 and will feature free crafts for mothers and children in celebration of Mother’s Day! Discover the joy of a Dream Closet and get the chance to walk away with a free pair of designer shoes to add to your own collection. Be sure to check out the hundreds of home improvement inspirations from local businesses, artisans and companies all in one location for three days. For tickets and more information, visit www.maricopacountyhomeshows.com/attend/

CENTRAL ARIZONA May 1

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival 2022

The 29th Annual Cinco de Mayo Downtown Phoenix Festival is one of the largest multicultural festivals in Arizona commemorating Mexico's victory over the French Army in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. The street festival is located between the skyscrapers in downtown Phoenix and provides attendees with non-stop fun, music, games and giveaways. For tickets and more information, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/cinco-de-mayo-phoenix-festival-2022tickets-291630272997

May 7

Uncorked: AZ Wine Festival

Join in on the fun at Uncorked: AZ Wine Fest featuring more than 100 wines from across the globe, local food trucks, a live DJ and more! Early admission starts at $75 at 6pm and features an extra hour of tasting with smaller capacity, and special pours from select wineries during the first hour. General Admission begins at $60 at 7 p.m. and ends at 10.p.m. Tickets include all wine tastings. Food sold separately. Bring your thirst and your friends! For tickets and more information, visit www.uncorkedwinefestivals.com

NORTHERN ARIZONA May 4

Stitch and Bitch

Join local artists and work on existing projects or start new ones! Take the opportunity to get advice from others interested in fiber arts and crafts or learn the basics of different fiber skills. This workshop is free to attend, though they do recommend a $5 to $10 donation to go toward the event space at Liminal Flagstaff. For tickets and more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ stitch-n-bitch-tickets-297463410067

May 7

First Friday Art Walk with Terra BIRDS "One Plug for the Planet!"

Terra BIRDS educates and empowers youth through gardening. They believe that nature is our oldest teacher and our richest classroom. They provide schools, teachers and community partners in Flagstaff, with garden programs that engage young people as the stewards of their school grounds, urban habitats and garden spaces. Terra BIRDS not only grows healthy food in our school and community gardens, they help to grow healthy kids, empowered youth and a strong community. Visit with Terra BIRDS staff and volunteers at Mountain Sports during First Friday Artwalk, May 6th from 5 - 8 p.m. Learn about Terra BIRDS and the many benefits provided by a single clump of native grass. And take home a ‘grass plug’ of your own to start your backyard meadow. For more information, visit www.allevents.in/flagstaff/ first-friday-art-walk-with-terra-birds-one-plug-for-theplanet/200022240398514

May 18 - December 7

Geology Rocks Tours

Geology Rock Tours cover ancient history of stones used to build downtown Flagstaff’s iconic buildings, including Moenkopi Sandstone, Pumiceous Dacite, Kaibab Limestone and Malapais Basalt. In addition, tours will highlight progression of architectural styles, discuss changing preferences for certain rock types, and provide an overview of historic events. Participants will search for fossils on the Ice House walls, find out what stone is referred to as “Arizona Red,” visit the layers of the Grand Canyon at Heritage Square, view beautiful stone etchings and more. For more tickets and more information, visit www.allevents.in/flagstaff/2022-geology-rockstours/200022240398918

SOUTHERN ARIZONA April 29-May 8, 2022

2022 Tucson International Mariachi Conference

The Tucson International Mariachi Conference brings together masters of Mexican folk music and dance and talented students from around the country for workshops and performances at Tucson Convention Center and several downtown venues. The three public concerts include: Espectacular Concert, featuring the world’s best and brightest mariachi musicians and folklorico dancers, a traditional Catholic Mariachi Mass, and the familyfriendly Fiesta Garibaldi. Presented by: La Frontera's Tucson International Mariachi Conference. For tickets and more information, visit www.tucsonmariachi.org

May 5-8

Pueblos del Maiz

Pueblos del Maíz Tucson (PDM) will be a four-day celebration of Maíze's major role in Southern Arizona's food heritage, gastronomy and culture, centered in downtown Tucson and extending to Mission Garden, San Xavier Co-op Farm, and the City of South Tucson. The main program, which will run from May 5 to May 8, will feature a block party with street food, cooking demonstrations, chef showcase, musical performances, a film showing, a photographic exhibit and educational activities. For more information, visit www.pueblosdelmaiz.com/tucson

May 7

Discovering the Land: Community, Science and Partnership in the Sonoita and Patagonia Region

The Cienega Watershed Partnership and Friends of Sonoita Creek are co-hosting the Science on the Sonoita Plain Symposium.You are invited to share your experiences on the land with local and regional partners, stakeholders and community members in a day of exploration and presentation. This year, they are taking it outdoors and providing a wide network of regional partners the opportunity to highlight knowledge, action and opportunities relating to community science initiatives at two locations; Empire Ranch (9 -11:30 a.m.), and The Nature Conservancy’s Sonoita Creek Preserve (1-5 p.m.). The event will cover science and engagement across the Cienega and Sonoita Creek Watersheds from Vail to Patagonia and beyond. For more information, visit www.visittucson.org/event/discovering-the-land%3acommunity-science-and-partnership-in-the-sonoita-andpatagonia-region/11646/

May 20-22

Willcox Wine Country Spring Festival

Rated once by Fodor's Travel as one of the top-10 wine festivals in North America, the Willcox Wine Country Festival is a celebration at the historic Railroad Park in rural Willcox. The festival, presented by Cochise Graham Wine Council, features 15 of Arizona's best wineries and over 30 craft vendors. For more information, visit www.willcoxwinecountry.org/event/willcoxwine-country-spring-festival-2/

Plan your perfect event, conference, or business meeting at Avondale’s Visitor and Conference Center. Be treated to beautiful views of the Estrella Mountains and enjoy the site’s many sustainability features. Conveniently located near 500+ hotel rooms, several delicious dining options, and a variety of sports and entertainment venues.

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