Arizona would have to cut carbon emissions by 52 percent by 2030, the second-steepest cuts in the nation, under the EPA's plan. But the state's target was based on year-round power use and does not account for summertime spikes in demand, state officials say. Read more» 1

Arizona would face the second-steepest reductions in carbon emissions in the country - 52 percent - under the federal plan, which aims to cut carbon nationally by 30 percent by the year 2030. Read more»

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has cut the time to process a permit by 60 percent, doubled the number of tank cleanings and made other gains by embracing private-sector policies where possible, Director Henry Darwin testified before a House committee. Read more»

Instead of tangling with Arizona over the Clean Air Act, federal regulators should consider Arizona's unique factors, the state's environmental chief says. Read more»

Arizona is tired of waiting for the federal government to act on the state’s proposed air-quality plan and “very well may” sue the Environmental Protection Agency if action is not taken soon, a state official said Thursday. Read more»

With many of those crossing the border illegally shifting to remote areas in response to stepped-up enforcement, the trash they leave behind is becoming tougher – and riskier – to clean up, said a state agency director. A Rio Rico-area cleanup is set for next weekend. Read more» 2