Prop 122 could threaten endangered species like this beautiful ocelot photographed in the Santa Rita mountains. Courtesy of USFWS/UA/DHS
Federal laws have long been important to protect our environment. Laws such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and Clean Air Act have all been essential to maintaining the integrity of the natural environment around us. However, Prop 122, on the ballot on November 4th, could put all of this in jeopardy. Put simply, if passed, Prop 122 would give Arizona the right to declare that specific federal laws or regulations are unconstitutional. It would then be illegal for Cities, Towns, Counties, and other jurisdictions to use personnel, funds, or resources to support a federal law that the State has deemed unconstitutional.
For instance, imagine the trouble vulnerable wildlife would be in if Arizona refused to comply with the Endangered Species Act. This would cripple years of effort Pima County has invested in working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create its Multi-Species Conservation Plan, which is nearing completion.
Prop 122 is a bad idea for the environment, and could get Arizona into a bad financial situation. A description of Prop 122 from the Legislative Council is as follows:
Proposition 122 would amend the Arizona Constitution to confirm that the state and federal government are subject to the United States Constitution.
Proposition 122 also would provide that Arizona may restrict the actions of its
personnel and the use of its financial resources to purposes that are consistent with the
United States Constitution by passing an initiative, referendum or bill or by pursuing any
other available legal remedy. The state, counties, cities, towns and other political
subdivisions of the state would be prohibited from using any personnel or financial
resources to enforce, administer or cooperate with a federal action or program if the
people or their representatives have exercised their authority to restrict such action or use.
We need your help spreading the word by putting up “Vote No on 122” signs! If you are able to help put these signs up around the community, please contact Hannah at, hannah.stitzer@sonorandesert.org or call our office at (520) 388-9925.
We urge you to vote NO on Prop 122 on November 4th. There is simply too much at stake to risk the degradation of our environment and the health of our rare and unique Sonoran Desert wildlife. Residents and visitors alike love and treasure the Sonoran Desert, and we need to make sure it remains protected for residents, visitors, and future generations.
View a short video on why to vote NO on Prop 122.
View the Coalition’s argument against Prop 122.
Tucson Weekly also urges voters to vote NO on Prop 122.
Read this opinion piece against Prop 122 in the Arizona Daily Star.