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The Bureau of Land Management updates a proposed Western Solar Plan to the delight of wildlife advocates, grant funding helps New York schools take part in National Farm to School Month, and children's advocates observe "TEN-4 Day" to raise awareness of child abuse.

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Biden voices concerns over Israeli strikes on Iran, Special Counsel Jack Smith details Trump's pre-January 6 pressure on Pence, Indiana's voter registration draws scrutiny, and a poll shows politics too hot to talk about for half of Wisconsinites.

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Cheap milk comes at a cost for residents of Washington's Lower Yakima Valley, Indigenous language learning is promoted in Wisconsin as experts warn half the world's languages face extinction, and Montana's public lands are going to the dogs!

Leaders Highlight Opportunities to Grow AZ Solar Industry

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Friday, March 3, 2023   

Tucson community leaders gathered at an event to highlight opportunities to grow Arizona's clean-energy economy say it's been made more accessible through incentives in President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Tucson City Council member Kevin Dahl predicted that clean-energy incentives will not only help lower-income households in the state consider solar but will also address a previous gap in benefits for nonprofit organizations. The IRA bill allocates $20 billion for nonprofits to implement projects that cut pollution and energy costs.

"Even as the clean-energy industry has exploded in our state, a lot of Arizonans have been left out," he said. "New solar incentives, however - including a 30% tax credit off the cost of installation and another 30% for standalone battery installation - will be transformative."

Leaders have estimated an additional 150,000 Arizona households will install rooftop solar panels because of the investments present in the Inflation Reduction Act.

More solar power may also be coming to rural Arizonans, with increased funding for the Rural Energy for America Program. It provides grants and loans to farms and small businesses that invest in clean-energy technology.

Robert Neifert, director of business development for Solar Gain, Inc. and co-chair of the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association, said he's excited about what this could mean for Arizona. He said they're already seeing an uptick in business.

"We were looking at the tax credit going down to 22 [percent], and then down to 10 [percent], and wondering what would happen to solar, in Arizona and the country," he said. "And now, it's turned the other direction and we're more excited than ever. And having 10 years of certainty is absolutely amazing."

Neifert said what is important about the clean-energy transition is that it be accomplished affordably and executed fairly. As some members of Congress try to roll back investments in clean energy, all speakers at the event shared an urgent need to continue with what they called "bold climate action."


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To date, the Bureau of Land Management has permitted clean-energy projects on public lands adding 29 gigawatts of electricity, or enough to power more than 12 million homes, according to the agency. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

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A new federal proposal details which public lands across the West would be open to solar development. Wildlife advocates are glad to see that some - …


Environment

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October is National Farm to School Month, and New York schools are using grant funding to participate. School districts statewide have received …

Social Issues

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As Florida recovers from Hurricane Helene, the state's network of Community Health Centers continues to provide crucial care statewide. Community …


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In 2020, 36% of Wisconsin voters told the Marquette Law School Poll that political disagreements negatively affected personal interactions with another voter. That number jumped to 46% in the current election cycle. (Adobe Stock)

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Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

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By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press India…

 

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