A student-led climate resolution was passed Thursday by the Phoenix Union High School District. But the action could face financial challenges as the Trump administration continues to dismantle climate protections.
The resolution was nearly 15 months in the making and sets goals of transitioning towards renewable energy at all schools in the district. This includes plans to implement solar panels, ensure LED lightbulbs are used in classrooms and adopt energy efficient school buses.
But, the resolution could be in a funding grey area as the Trump administration claws back billions of dollars and halts federal incentives for climate projects.
Shaela Patel is an organizer with the Arizona Youth Climate Coalition, which helped create the framework for the plan. She said closing the financing gap is key.
"Nothing’s confirmed just yet. But they are kind of trying to work together to make sure that this can be done in as an efficient way as possible," Patel said.
A similar plan was passed in the Tucson Unified School District in 2024, and the estimated cost is upward of $900 million.
The district is now facing financing uncertainty after the Trump-led “One Big, Beautiful Bill” ended clean energy tax credits after June 2026.
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