The Senate is pushing a bill that will create more polluting projects and fewer protections for our people across Arizona.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/13/26
MEDIA CONTACT: Edder Díaz Martínez, Communications Director, 602-832-6039
[email protected]
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WASHINGTON — Our current U.S. Senate body is quickly pushing through a deadly permitting bill called the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, or BAAJA.
GreenLatinos Arizona and Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) strongly oppose the bill as it's currently written.
Arizona needs investment in modern infrastructure, reliable energy, and good-paying jobs, and we should absolutely be working to build the infrastructure our communities need. Despite these needs, we cannot let the promise of faster development become a new excuse to dismantle the environmental protections and public accountability that keep people safe.
This bill will not only weaken bedrock environmental laws like the National Environmental Policy Act, but it will also make it easier for the federal government to build and expand ICE detention facilities.
Following the continued negotiations in the Senate, GreenLatinos Climate Justice and Clean Air Program Director Irene Burga and Executive Director of RAZE, Natali Fierros, release the following statements:
“In its current form, BAAJA is a bad deal for our communities. It goes far beyond streamlining permitting – it will restrict communities from participating in decisions that affect them, limit judicial oversight, and make it extraordinarily difficult for future administrations to correct flawed or unlawful project approvals.
Arizonans already face serious environmental issues like extreme heat, water scarcity, natural resources, air pollution, and growing pressure. Arizonans cannot afford policies that make it easier to approve projects without fully evaluating their impacts on public health, clean air, water, and surrounding neighborhoods. Tribal Nations must also have meaningful opportunities to protect their sovereignty, sacred places, and cultural resources.” – Irene Burga, GreenLatinos Climate Justice and Clean Air Program Director.
“Rural communities deserve good jobs, clean water and a real say in the decisions that shape our future. We know what it takes to organize, show up, and make our voices heard when powerful interests have other plans for our communities. Congress should be strengthening that. voice. BAAJA would weaken the protections that help us hold those interests accountable. We urge our Arizona senators to oppose this bill. Our committees should help decide what gets built here; we’re the ones who will live with the consequences.” – Natali Fierros, Executive Director of Rural Arizona Engagement.
