By Shelley Smithson
KNAU/PBS
Arizona’s natural resources are a big part of the state’s economy.
And thousands of jobs in energy, mining, logging and tourism are affected by federal environmental rules.
Arizona Public Radio asked environmental and business groups what questions about the environment they would like to ask candidates for Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat.
In this second of two reports, business organizations want to know where the candidates stand on the role of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Business groups say the EPA is threatening the state’s economic future.
In particular, they’re worried that a plan to reduce haze over the Grand Canyon could shutter the coal-fired Navajo Generating Station near Page.
And they say other EPA plans, like one that aims to reduce dust from construction sites and farms in Arizona, overstep the federal government’s authority.
Glenn Hamer is president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He has this question for Republican Jeff Flake and Democrat Richard Carmona. They are running for the Senate seat held for 18 years by Republican Jon Kyl.
