Environmental

Person hiking a trail in the Arizona desert.

Preserving Arizona’s Natural Wonder: S.B. 1714 and the Arizona Trail Fund

Arizona is home to the magnificent Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT), an 800-mile corridor that winds its way through the state’s diverse landscapes, including mountains, canyons, deserts, forests, and wilderness areas. This premier long-distance trail attracts adventurers from around the world, offering a remarkable experience for non-motorized recreation. 

Over a span of 30 years, dedicated volunteers, through the Arizona Trail Association (ATA), built and maintained this iconic trail, making it the largest outdoor service project in the state’s history. 

The Arizona Trail Association and Its Importance

This trail owes its existence to the unwavering efforts of the Arizona Trail Association, an organization committed to protecting, maintaining, enhancing, promoting, and sustaining this unique, scenic area. The ATA manages a dedicated group of over 2,500 volunteers annually, many of whom undertake the responsibility of trail maintenance along the entire stretch from Mexico to Utah. These volunteers generously contribute over 20,000 hours of service annually, valued at an impressive $550,000.

Sustainability and Stewardship Programs

The ATA recognizes the importance of instilling a sense of stewardship and environmental appreciation in future generations. Through programs like Seeds of Stewardship, the ATA engages thousands of middle and high school students from communities along the Arizona Trail, educating and involving them in exploring and caring for the trail. 

Additionally, the ATA’s Veterans Program provides opportunities for military veterans to experience the Arizona Trail firsthand and participate in stewardship projects. The organization’s Volunteer Program, widely recognized as one of the most effective volunteer structures in the outdoor recreation community, recruits, trains, and empowers citizen stewards throughout the state.

Economic Impact

Beyond its intrinsic value as a recreational resource, the Arizona Trail also plays a pivotal role in Arizona’s economy. Recent studies have shown that Americans spent over $21 billion on outdoor recreation in Arizona from 2020 to 2021, supporting 201,000 jobs, generating $5.7 billion in wages, and contributing $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue. 

Furthermore, research conducted by the University of Arizona revealed that in-state residents engage in non-motorized trail activities approximately 83,110,000 times per year, with an estimated 59.2% of Arizona’s adult population participating. The economic value derived from in-state residents’ non-motorized trail use amounts to an impressive $8.3 billion per year. 

S.B. 1714 and Its Importance

In recognition of the critical role played by the Arizona Trail and the Arizona Trail Association, Senator Gowan, representing LD 19, sponsored S.B. 1714. 

What is S.B. 1714?

This legislation seeks to appropriate $250,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund, a necessary step to support priority trail construction and maintenance projects. With recent catastrophic wildfires ravaging over 100 miles of the trail, the ATA’s efforts in wildfire mitigation, landscape restoration, and forest health initiatives have become paramount. By securing state funding, Arizona ensures the long-term preservation of this valuable recreational resource, safeguarding the state’s investment while promoting the health, well-being, and quality of life of its residents.

Why It Matters

S.B. 1714 represents a significant milestone in Arizona’s commitment to preserving and enhancing the Arizona National Scenic Trail. As the popularity of the Arizona Trail grows, it is imperative to recognize the economic, environmental, and recreational value it brings to the state. 

Through collaborative efforts and continued support, Arizona residents, along with organizations like Dorn Policy Group, Inc., will ensure that this awe-inspiring trail remains an enduring symbol of its commitment to natural preservation and outdoor adventure.

Success with S.B. 1714

Dorn Policy Group was successful in acquiring significant funding for the Arizona National Scenic Trail by securing the original requested amount of $250,000, along with an additional $250,000, for a notable total of $500,000.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. Advocates for Arizona

When you partner with a government relations firm like Dorn Policy Group, Inc., you’re not just getting our support. You gain an invaluable partner who advocates for your success. With nearly 60 years of combined experience, we’re experts in obtaining the results you need for success. Contact us today to learn more about our services and what we can do for you.

Saguaro Lake in Arizona

Arizona Water Shortage: What Can We Do?

In mid-August, a water shortage was declared on the Colorado River for the first time in history. The Colorado River is the water source for around 40 million people in western states, including Arizona. Years of drought conditions have led to record low water levels at Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the river’s main reservoirs. Arizona is in the midst of a historic water shortage, but what can we do about it?

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. is one of Arizona’s top public affairs firms. We partner with organizations to ensure their business goals are met and voices are heard by Arizona’s elected officials. Read our blog post below and learn what Arizona officials and homeowners can do about the Arizona water shortage.  

What Does the Water Shortage Mean in Arizona? 

Much of the Western United States is suffering from an intense 22-year drought, resulting in increasingly low water levels, dry soil, and wildfires. The U.S. Department of Reclamation has made cuts to Arizona’s water supply, taking a large hit on the agriculture industry, which relies on large amounts of the state’s water supply for farming. State and national forests and parks, tourism, local economy, landscaping, and home building have also been impacted by worsening drought conditions. A Tier 1 water shortage has been declared, meaning that more water supply cuts are expected in 2022. 

Arizona’s population has experienced rapid growth over the last decade. While more people means more strain on the scarce water supply, population growth has also had a positive impact on water supply. As agricultural land is sold off to residential developers, the strain on the water supply is lowered because people in their homes use far less water than farmers. 

What Can Homeowners Do About the Water Shortage?

While homeowners may not have been majorly impacted by recent small cuts to the water supply, there are still things that they can do to reduce water waste inside and outside of their homes:

  • Make Your Landscaping Drought Resistant: Fill your yard with plants that don’t require regular watering to survive. Cacti, succulents, palms, and synthetic turf can thrive in drought conditions. 
  • Invest in Irrigation: Try to water your yard less, but if you are watering your yard, upgrade to high-efficiency sprinklers and nozzles that use less water. 
  • Avoid Fountains: Don’t install water features in your yard or home.
  • Upgrade Your Bathroom: Install dual flush toilets, low flow faucets, and showerheads to reduce water usage inside your home.

How is Arizona Taking Action

Arizona has focused on water planning and management for over a century. From water supply projects to drought preparedness programs, underground water storage, 100-year water supply requirements, mandatory conservation programs, and the use of reclaimed water, Arizona has made difficult water supply management decisions to meet water demands without rationing.

Professionals who study action plans for ensuring our future generations have continuous access to water say that Arizonans can expect to see significant investments in modern technology creating innovative systems to replenish the water supply and ease the drought. Some action has already been taken toward water conservation in Arizona:

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. Advocates for Water Availability 

As one of the leading Arizona government relations firms, we know how important it is to be noticed by key elected officials and community leaders. With such a large, diverse community, it can be difficult getting your voice heard. Dorn Policy Group, Inc. ensures you are represented in the best possible light. Contact us today and learn how we can help your business find success through strong government relations.

Stormy Arizona Monsoon weather over a beautiful landscape

Arizona Monsoon Season and Flooding in Gila Bend

While most people assume Arizona is a desolate desert, it can actually be a wet oasis. 2021 has seen an exceedingly rainy summer. Although it has been beneficial  for our vegetation, wildlife, and daily living, the Arizona monsoon season can also be quite dangerous.

Arizona Monsoon Floods Gila Bend

Earlier this month, Governor Doug Ducey issued an emergency declaration to support Gila Bend after severe flooding. 

Maricopa County also declared an emergency, enabling the county Department of Emergency Management to begin coordinating various organizations to assist in the response. 

Maricopa County provided residents with more than 30 tons of sandbags, as well as access to equipment and supplies to remove debris and other cleanup efforts. 

The Aftermath of the Monsoon and Flood in Gila Bend

According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, public safety officers rescued at least 30 people and two others died as a result of the flooding. 

Additionally, The American Red Cross opened an emergency center and shelter at Gila Bend High School for those impacted by the floods.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. Can Help With Your Government Relations

The Arizona monsoon season can have a heavy impact on our environment and energy infrastructure and must be properly funded in order to recover from the storm damage. Dorn Policy Group, Inc. are experts in advocacy and work closely with you and elected officials to secure appropriate funding.

Contact us today to learn more about our environment and energy advocacy expertise!

The Arizona Trail located in Arizona

Dorn Policy Group is Proud to Promote Funding for The Arizona Trail

As an Arizona resident, you probably already know how important recreational trails are to our state. Not only does it allow us to enjoy the natural beauty of our communities, but studies have also shown they promote great health and invite tourism. Recently, Dorn Policy Group, Inc. has partnered with The Arizona Trail to advocate for increased funding to help protect and advance their 800-mile path from Mexico to Utah. 

For over 20 years, Dorn Policy Group, Inc. has been one of Arizona’s trusted lobbying firms, providing exceptional advocacy and consultation in government relations. We partner with organizations to ensure their goals are being met and voices are being heard by Arizona’s elected officials. Read our article below and learn about our partnership with The Arizona Trail.

What is The Arizona Trail?

This incredible organization was the dream of Dale Shewalter, who envisioned a state-long trail that would connect Nogales to the Utah state line. The idea was embraced by trail enthusiasts and park systems from the local, state, and federal levels. 

Since then, The Arizona Trail has become one of the country’s premier long-distance trails for its diverse mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, and historic sites only seen on its path. Through its dedication and passion for Arizona’s beautiful landscape, the organization demonstrates what trail users and land managers can accomplish when they share a common vision. 

Today, The Arizona Trail contributes significantly to Arizona’s $21.2 billion outdoor recreation economy and has become a beloved strip of natural land for outdoor enthusiasts. In 2006, it was designated a State Scenic Trail and a National Scenic Trail in 2009.

What is Dorn Policy Group Doing to Help The Arizona Trail?

Part of The Arizona Trail’s mission is to encourage exploration and connect people with nature. But, state funding is absolutely vital for any park or trail system. It ensures the grounds, trails, and the beauty of the environment are properly maintained to benefit enthusiasts and local wildlife alike. 

While the Arizona Legislature worked on the state budget this year, supporters for the Arizona Trail began advocating for a modest appropriation towards the organization’s efforts. This funding would be used to hire conservation corps to conduct priority trail construction, maintenance, and wildlife mitigation beyond most volunteers’ expertise. 

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. led the charge in advocating for an additional appropriation towards this wonderful organization. We have been involved in similar advocacy efforts in the past by supporting public safety, health, and recreation organizations in Arizona. For The Arizona Trail, our team of government relations specialists strategically found ways to best present our client’s case to our elected officials. This cemented incredible results for the organization and highlights just how important this trail is to our economy.  

Dorn Policy Group is Proud to Help Move Organizations Forward

As one of the leading Arizona lobbying firms, we know how important it is to be noticed by key elected officials and community leaders. With such a large, diverse community in Arizona, it can be difficult getting your voice heard. Dorn Policy Group, Inc. ensures your cause is amplified and that you benefit from strong government relations and proper support from your elected officials. Contact us today and learn how we can help your organization move forward.

Environmental Lobbying

The Impact of Environmental Lobbying

Environmental lobbying is a key issue for both policymakers and companies, with over $13 million being spent in 2020 alone. Environmental policy impacts many different sectors, so it is important to take note of what each industry is lobbying for and against. More recently, lobbyists have advocated on behalf of many industries that have been affected by COVID-19, while keeping in mind the company’s best interest.

 

Industries Taking Part in Environmental Lobbying

Oil and Gas 

Oil and gas companies have usually advocated against policies such as regulations on fracking, as they did in 2018 when Prop 112 was put to a vote in Colorado. In that same year, a carbon tax failed to pass in Washington after oil and gas companies, most notably BP, lobbied against such legislation. 

Other policies that the oil and gas industry has lobbied against include Senate bill 421, which aimed to put new regulations on oil pipelines. The Measure G Bill, which looked to ban new fracking and conventional oil and gas wells in California, also failed due to extensive lobbying.

On the other hand, major oil companies, including BP and ExxonMobil, have also lobbied in support of reducing emissions by investing in carbon capture with the introduction of the USE IT Act. Both Exxon and Shell have advocated in favor of a carbon tax, which is backed by others in the industry. 

Automotive 

The automobile industry is another industry that has taken opposite stances when it comes to environmental lobbying. With Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Daimler, BMW, Toyota, and General Motors among the strongest opponents to regulate and reduce emissions.

Additionally, General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler have also opposed the CAFE standards set by Congress, which regulates how far a vehicle should travel on one gallon of gas. 

In Europe, there has been constant opposition from the European Automobile Manufacture’s Association (ACEA) and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) for new CO2 emissions standards in 2021. The ACEA also successfully lobbied against an EU mandate on electric car sales. 

 

Notable Topics

The following are some of the most notable topics lobbied by key groups regarding environmental policies.

Roll Back on U.S. Methane Regulations 

American Petroleum Institute – U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Repeal and Replacement of the U.S. Clean Power Plan

American Petroleum Institute – U.S. Chamber of Commerce – American Legislative Exchange Council – National Association of Manufacturers – National Mining Association – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers

U.S. Automotive Emissions RollBack

Auto Alliance – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers

Paris Agreement Withdrawal by the U.S.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce – American Legislative Exchange Council – National Association of Manufacturers – National Mining Association

Accelerated On/Offshore Oil & Gas Development

American Petroleum Institute – U.S. Chamber of Commerce – American Legislative Exchange Council – National Association of Manufacturers – American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers

 

Dorn Policy Will Advocate For You

As a leading Arizona-based professional lobbying and public affairs firm, Dorn Policy Group works with all levels of government including Federal, State, County, Municipal, District, and Tribes. Working with both Republicans and Democrats as well as Independents, Dorn Policy Group will provide you with the best strategic counsel to advance and reach your objectives. 

 

Contact us today to get started!

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