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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

AZ Business Leaders Endorse President's Build Back Better Plan

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Monday, September 27, 2021   

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Business leaders in Arizona and across the country are urging Congress to take action to curb climate change by supporting the Biden administration's Build Back Better plan, to be voted on this week.

They argued not only will these measures help the U.S. contribute to stopping the most catastrophic effects of climate change, but they can boost local economies.

Jim Doyle, president of the nonprofit Business Forward, pointed to data that showed Arizona imported 94% of its fossil fuels in 2019, and switching to in-state renewables could generate $16 billion to buy local energy.

"Most states spend billions and many states spent tens of billions importing coal, oil and gas to power their economies," Doyle observed. "Renewables, solar and wind represent an opportunity to keep that money in state, to essentially 'Buy Local.' "

Opponents of the Build Back Better program argued it goes too far, and $3.5 trillion over a decade is too expensive. Doyle countered ignoring climate change will cost far more, and it will be worth the investment.

The bill also expands the social safety net and updates the tax code.

Business Forward is planning to spend up to $1.2 million for radio ads in key congressional districts in Arizona and around the U.S. to convince swing members the country needs the proposed solutions outlined in the Build Back Better plan.

Doyle pointed out in 2020 alone, Arizonans were hit by more than $4 billion in climate-driven disasters, as local businesses felt the financial impacts of climate change.

"Severe weather and extreme temperatures are spiking commodity prices, disrupting supply chains, damaging plants and equipment, and messing with consumer demand for their products," Doyle outlined.

He added the clean energy investments represent an opportunity for the U.S. to be a leader in energy innovation and manufacturing.

Disclosure: The Partnership Project contributes to our fund for reporting on Climate Change/Air Quality, Energy Policy, and Environment Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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