Pima County leaders are considering a county ordinance that would regulate speed and heavy truck traffic on unpaved county roads — like those used by mining companies.
The ordinance would introduce regulations for unpaved country roads that see heavy machinery traffic in order to maintain air quality standards and limit dust emissions.
During a meeting this week, Pima County Supervisor Matt Heinz — who introduced the measure — said excess dust could lead to health impacts.
“As a physician, one of my first cases I had when I came to my residency at the University of Arizona 20 years ago was disseminated Valley fever. Which is a terrible disease that the spores from that fungus coccidioidomycosis that comes from the dirt," he said.
Supervisors heard from members of the public who were for and against the effort — with some arguing it would limit mining activity. A full hearing and vote happens later this month.
-
Rep. Matt Gress's bill would direct the Arizona Department of Transportation to ask the Federal Highway Administration to consider a stretch between Casa Grande and Wickenburg separately. -
Gas prices are always on our minds here in the Valley, where many people are dependent on their cars to get around. But with gas prices skyrocketing as a result of President Donald Trump’s attack on Iran, officials are scrambling for ideas to control costs. -
This effort all began three years ago, when Republican state Rep. Teresa Martinez sponsored a bill that pitched letting the Gila River Indian Community design a plate of its own. -
County officials discussed the opportunity of connecting Tucson to the Mexican passenger rail network at a Pima Association of Governments meeting in January. The meeting included participation from the Mexican railroad agency and consulate. -
The city of Phoenix bought the hydrogen-fueled bus in 2024 to further its efforts toward zero-emissions public transportation.
