[COMMENTARY] Arizona Legislature says let municipalities protect their citizens

A natural gas line that spans the Colorado River between Arizona and California. Photo by Charles O’Rear | U.S. National Archives / Arizona Mirror

By Diane E. Brown | Arizona Mirror

Arizona officials are often quick to tell the federal government to stay out of state business. However, when it comes to local government, Arizona legislators are often quick to interfere in municipal business. This hypocrisy needs to stop. 

Arizona PIRG supports local, state and federal laws that protect consumers and protect our democracy. If a government body that is closer to the people it represents wants to enact a policy that is more protective for its citizens, it should have that ability. Yet our legislature is fast-tracking bills that would once again toss away the fact that Arizona is a Home Rule state, which grants authority to certain municipalities.

If adopted, Senate Bill 1222 and House Bill 2686 would prohibit municipalities and counties from denying a utility a permit, even for safety or public health reasons. The legislation is written so broadly that it would outlaw a locality’s ability to adopt or amend ordinances or implement other measures that would allow for community oversight.

READ ON:

Share this!

Additional Articles

News Categories

Get Our Twice Weekly Newsletter!

* indicates required

Rose Law Group pc values “outrageous client service.” We pride ourselves on hyper-responsiveness to our clients’ needs and an extraordinary record of success in achieving our clients’ goals. We know we get results and our list of outstanding clients speaks to the quality of our work.

Did Peoria violate law in land donation to Amkor? 

By YourValley The Arizona Attorney General has determined the city of Peoria did not violate state law or the Arizona Constitution in its development agreement with Tempe-based microchip packaging company Amkor Technology in regards to a city-directed donation of private land to the company. The

Read More »