Willmeng’s October Fencepost panel discussion brought together key figures from Arizona’s business, government, and environmental sectors to address a looming threat to the state’s economic prosperity: air quality. Willmeng CEO James Murphy led the conversation and was joined by some of the leading experts on economic development in Arizona. The panelists included Christine Mackay, Community & Economic Development Director, City of Phoenix; Eric Massey, Director of Sustainability for APS; Danny Seiden, President & CEO of the Arizona Chamber; Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority; as well as Jimmy Lindblom, VP of Economic Development and Infrastructure for Willmeng.
The panelists emphasized that while Arizona boasts a relatively clean environment, the impending EPA designation of Maricopa County as a “serious non-attainment” area for ozone presents significant challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses seeking to expand or obtain air quality permits.
Key Themes to Ozone Attainment
A central theme of the discussion was the need for collaborative problem-solving to overcome these challenges. The panelists highlighted ongoing efforts by local, state and federal officials to work together, sharing expertise and resources to find ways for businesses navigating the complex regulatory landscape. They cited examples like collaborating to fund the electrification of luggage tugs at Sky Harbor Airport to generate emission reduction credits for companies needing to offset their environmental impact.
The panelists underscored that the “serious non-attainment” designation, combined with Arizona’s limited pool of available emission reduction credits, creates a disadvantage when competing for businesses with other states. This reality calls for a proactive approach, with stakeholders working together to identify and implement solutions that go beyond traditional methods like shutting down older, polluting facilities.
Where does the air come from?
A particularly frustrating aspect of the situation, as highlighted by the panelists, is that 80% of the pollutants contributing to Arizona’s ozone problem originate outside the state, including international sources, neighboring states, and natural emissions from plants. This underscores the need for a more nuanced approach from the EPA, one that recognizes Arizona’s efforts in controlling its own emissions and considers the unique challenges faced by Western states. The panel advocated for a return to “cooperative federalism,” urging the federal government to collaborate with Arizona in developing solutions tailored to the state’s specific circumstances.
The call to action resonating throughout the discussion was clear: Don’t be passive. The panelists urged attendees to engage actively in the process by participating in local government initiatives, advocating for policy changes, and supporting organizations like the Arizona Chamber and ACA that are working to address the issue. They stressed the importance of early engagement with experts, exploring potential solutions before encountering permitting roadblocks, and leveraging the collective expertise available within the business community and government agencies. The Willmeng Fencepost panel discussion served as a powerful testament to Arizona’s efforts to address the complex challenges posed by air quality concerns.
