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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Greg Kats is the founder of the Smart Surfaces Coalition. He says Phoenix could be a model for climate change — instead of a victim of it. -
A record-strong El Niño event developing in the Pacific Ocean could bring much-needed moisture to Arizona in the months ahead, but a wet winter is not guaranteed. -
The variable climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean are associated with changing weather patterns globally. UA professors contributed to a study that found they are growing more extreme as greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to climate change. -
The National Weather Service has issued another extreme heat warning for the Phoenix area. This one is in effect Tuesday through Thursday. -
Learning declines as students suffer mentally and physically in hot environments.
