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Flake, McCain Introduce Amendment to Increase Transparency for Western Power Customers
U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) today introduced an amendment to the Energy Policy Modernization Act that would require the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) to establish a pilot project online database of its budgetary costs and rates. The searchable online database would be broken down by region and customer services office in order to increase transparency and accountability for how WAPA manages its funds
CITY SELECTS TUCSON WATER DIRECTOR
Following a national recruitment and competitive selection process, City Manager Michael Ortega has selected Timothy M. Thomure to be the Director of the City of Tucson’s Water Department, effective February 15, 2016. Mr. Thomure is a water professional with 21 years of work experience in the public sector, private industry, and consulting. Mr. Thomure comes to the City from HDR Engineering, Inc. where he has been employed since 2007 as an Area Water Operations Manager and Water Reuse Practice Lead. He holds a master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Arizona and is a registered Professional Engineer in Arizona.
Indictment Against Man Accused of Stealing from Homeless
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced today a State Grand Jury indicted a former employee at the Phoenix Rescue Mission on allegations of stealing social security benefits from a homeless man. Sergio Solorzano is facing four felony charges of Fraudulent Schemes & Artifices, Theft, Taking the Identity of Another, and Unlawful Use of an Access Device. Special Agents with the Attorney General’s Office believe there could be additional victims who have yet to come forward
House and Senate Utilize Congressional Review Act to Block EPA Water Grab
U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed S.J.RES.22, a resolution of disapproval to vacate the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by a vote of 253-166
Rep. Salmon Responds to President Obama’s Unilateral Power Grab on Guns
Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05) today released the following statement in response to President Obama address to the nation about his proposal to amend gun laws through executive order
EPA Announces $25 Million to Improve Water Quality, Infrastructure in Arizona
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $25 million in funding to Arizona for investment in statewide improvements in local drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and the reduction of water pollution. The funds are directed to the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA), which will use them to provide low-cost loans for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects and to provide funding for innovative water quality improvement projects.
Kirkpatrick statement on House passage of omnibus appropriations bill
U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick voted for the FY 2016 omnibus appropriations bill, H.R. 2029, which passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, 316-113. This measure funds the government for FY 2016
House Passes Gosar, Bridenstine, Yoho Amendment Limiting Frivolous and Costly Environmental Lawsuits
U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after joining House colleagues Representatives Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) and Ted Yoho (R-FL) in passing an amendment that will limit frivolous lawsuits and exorbitant payouts to lawyers that challenge energy projects which have already gone through the environmental process and been issued permits and subsequently attached the amendment to H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act
Arizona Supreme Court Upholds State Water Rights, Affirms Gosar Legislation
On June 26, 2015, the non the non-partisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a legal review of Congressman Gosar’s legislation, the Bill Williams River Water Rights Settlement, validating his previous assertions and affirming that his legislation is good for private property owners, will result in a significant net water benefit to the basin and will not result in a loss of any tax revenue to Mohave County.
Rep. Gosar: Huge Victory in the Fight to Stop the EPA’s Lawless Water Grab
U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after a federal appeals court issued a nationwide stay blocking the implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule resulting from a lawsuit filed by 13 states, including the state of Arizona
Phoenix sisters sentenced for property rental scheme catering to human smugglers and other criminals
A Phoenix-area property manager who previously pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for her role in a far-reaching scheme to rent out residences to human smugglers, drug traffickers and others involved in criminal activity.
GOVERNOR DOUG DUCEY ANNOUNCES ARIZONA WATER INITIATIVE
Governor Doug Ducey today announced a new two-track initiative through the Arizona Department of Water Resources to help ensure the certainty and vitality of Arizona’s water supply long into the future. The initiative, which is based off of and continues the work published in the 2014 Strategic Vision for Water Supply Sustainability Report, involves two tracks.
AG Brnovich Settles Lawsuit Against Foreclosure Attorney
Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced today a consent judgment obtained against Arizona-licensed Foreclosure Attorney Brent Randall Phillips. Phillips violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act by engaging in fraudulent and deceptive practices when offering loan modification services to struggling homeowners facing foreclosure. The judgment bars Phillips and his law firms, Phillips Law Center, P.L.C., d/b/a Randall Law Group, and Farmers Law Group from conducting mortgage loan modification services in the State of Arizona or on behalf of Arizona consumers and obtains restitution for victims.
Judgment Obtained Against Solar Installer Accused of Scamming Customers
Attorney General Mark Brnovich recently obtained a Consent Judgment against a fraudulent solar installation company who preyed on Arizona consumers. The settlement requires Phoenix-based Epcon Solar, LLC to pay $40,000 in restitution to customers who filed a valid consumer complaint with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.
Downtown Stage getting ready for unveiling event
The City of Chandler is preparing to welcome the newest venue to its downtown, the Downtown Stage. The City and the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership (DCCP) will host an unveiling event at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, at the new stage located on Commonwealth Street, east of Arizona Avenue.
U.S. REP. MCSALLY APPLAUDS RULING TO HALT EXPANSIVE EPA WATER RULE
A U.S. District Court judge in North Dakota late yesterday issued a temporary injunction against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers’ Waters of the U.S rule, calling it “exceptionally expansive.” The ruling blocks implementation of the rule in 13 states that requested the injunction, including Arizona, a day before it was set to take effect
AG BRNOVICH ANNOUNCES JUDGMENT IN SOLAR TELEMARKETING LAWSUIT
Attorney General Mark Brnovich today announced the settlement of a consumer fraud lawsuit against Go Green Today, LLC (“Go Green”), an Arizona-based solar company that allegedly made thousands of unwanted telephone calls to consumers on the FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry (DNC). In addition to making unsolicited telemarketing calls, Go Green also violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act (ACFA) in the marketing and sale of solar products. Under the consent judgment, up to $55,000 in restitution will be paid to victims.
Attorney General Mark Brnovich Requests Immediate Stay on EPA’s Overreaching Clean Power Plan
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich today joined Attorneys General in 15 other states to request the EPA immediately stay Section 111(d) of the Obama administration’s finalized “Clean Power Plan.” A stay is a legal procedure that will ensure Arizonans will not be forced to suffer serious harm until the courts have had an opportunity to review the rule’s legality
U.S. Senators Susan Collins, Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee,...
Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema sent a letter to United States Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell about the Forest Service’s Notice of Intent to round up and impound horses on the Mesa Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest
Rep. Gosar Blasts EPA’s Clean Power Plan Rule
U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announced final “Clean Power Plan” rule seeking to dramatically reduce carbon emissions from power plants