by Ethan Faverino | Sep 15, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
In a decision advancing American energy dominance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule granting the State of Arizona full primacy to control all classes of underground injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
This approval positions Arizona as the primary regulator for protecting its underground sources of drinking water, while developing economic growth and innovation in clean energy technologies.
The move aligns with the EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes delivering clean and safe water to every American, restoring U.S. energy leadership, and empowering states to manage their own resources with local expertise.
By delegating authority to Arizona, the federal government recognizes the state’s unparalleled understanding of its unique water challenges and business landscape.
“Efficient and effective permitting is essential to bolstering American industry and unleashing energy dominance while protecting our nation’s water resources,“ said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “States know their water resources best and understand the needs of their business community; entrusting them to take on permitting makes common sense. I am excited to see the economic growth that will be spurred by granting Arizona primacy to regulate underground injection under the Safe Drinking Water Act.”
The approval enables the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to oversee permitting and enforcement for all underground injection wells, including Class I wells for hazardous waste storage— ensuring these operations occur far below drinking water aquifers—and Class VI wells, critical for carbon capture and storage.
Following technical and legal review, the EPA confirmed that Arizona’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program fully complies with SDWA standards. ADEQ will now handle authorizations and compliance monitoring with the EPA retaining oversight and permitting authority for wells on Indian Lands, except for Class II wells on Navajo Nation lands, because the Nation already holds primacy.
The move got the support from Arizona’s congressional delegation, emphasizing the significance of federalism and local priorities.
“Our Founding Fathers were clear in their commitment to states’ rights and a small federal government. Individual states must have the power to govern in the best interests of their own people. This ruling affirms that Arizona—not Washington bureaucrats—is best equipped to protect our water, foster economic growth, and ensure the well-being of our citizens. It is a key step in ensuring access to safe drinking water for Arizona communities for years to come. No one understands Arizona’s communities and resources better than Arizonans ourselves,” said Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05). “I am grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for their commitment to slashing needless regulations and restoring authority to the states. This is a victory for federalism, for common sense, and for the people of Arizona.”
“Arizona understands our land, our water, and our energy needs better than anyone in Washington ever could. Granting primacy to our state of the Underground Injection Control program is a recognition that local expertise and innovation should lead the way,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06). “It means that Arizona will now oversee the permitting for all underground injection wells, including Class VI wells essential for carbon capture and storage—a critical part of a secure and cleaner energy future, and Class I wells, which store hazardous waste far below drinking water resources critical for the health of all Arizonans. This step is a win for clean water, a win for responsible energy development, and a win for our economy.”
“I want to thank Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its underground sources of drinking water. This rule will allow us to provide clean and safe water for every Arizonan while bringing more and exciting economic opportunities to our great state,” said Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08). “This rule will strengthen Arizona’s ability to manage our future for our families.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also praised the decision as a pivotal achievement for the state saying, “Today’s decision is a major milestone for Arizona. By granting our state primacy over underground injection wells, the EPA is once again recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its water and natural resources. This authority allows us to safeguard the integrity of our groundwater, while also supporting responsible economic growth and clean energy development. With this step, Arizona gains the tools to lead on sustainable environmental management and innovation for years to come.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 10, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Reps. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) joined President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. They attended the inaugural gathering of the new “Rose Garden Club” on the recently revamped Rose Garden patio.
At the exclusive event, Biggs and Hamadeh were joined by other key leaders in Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as Vice President Vance and cabinet officials like Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
As reported by USA Today, President Trump introduced the newly constructed patio, formerly a grass lawn, as the “Rose Garden Club.” It will welcome Congressional leaders as well as “people that can bring peace and success to our country.”
Speaking at the posh dinner Trump told the gathered Congressional leaders:
“I’ll tell you what we did to the grass. It was not usable. The reason we would have a press conference, women in particular were sinking deep into the mud. And at some point, it’s time to change. We picked a great stone. I may have a great speaker system, I hope. I hope everybody hears us perfectly. But a lot of people are wondering why you’re here tonight. And I’ll tell you simply why you’re here. Because…you are the ones that have been my friends, and you know what I’m talking about. And you’re smart and even brilliant people. But you would tell people… ‘ I don’t speak to the President much because I always vote with the President.’ Mike Johnson who’s going to go down as one of the great Speakers of our time or any other time. Mike, thank you very much. I said, ‘Mike, I want to do something. I want to reward the people that have confidence in their President, and you, and vote for us. And that includes some of the senators that are here.’”
Initially, the President planned to welcome a group of high-level business figures the previous evening, but the weather intervened. “They didn’t want to have rain on top of their beautiful heads,” Trump said. The group reportedly included Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, creator of Facebook, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and Sam Altman, founder of OpenAI.
He explained, “You know, you’re the first ones in this great place. We’ll call it ‘The Rose Garden Club. And it’s a club for senators, for congresspeople, and for people in Washington, and frankly, people that can bring peace and success to our country. And you’re invited as congressmen. We have mostly congressmen and senators tonight. Again, you know why you’re first? Because it rained last night. I had the high-tech guys…and they didn’t want to have rain on top of their beautiful heads.
“We had the highest IQ last night in the history of the world, and we took them inside because of two reasons. Number one, I wanted you to be number one. And you were. They could’ve endured a little rain, but I wanted you to be number one. And I would match IQ tonight here with what we had last night, meaning IQ of common sense and survival. I think you have a higher IQ in certain ways, let me tell you. But we had a great group last night, and they’re investing tens of billions, they’re investing trillions of dollars. Some of the companies are investing literally trillions of dollars in this great country of ours.”
In early August, Trump told reporters the Rose Garden was “always wet and damp.” He added, “When we had a press conference, you’d sink into the mud. If it rained it would take three, four, five days to dry out and we couldn’t use it really for the intended purpose.”
In a post to X, Congressman Hamadeh thanked President Trump writing, “Honored to be at the first Rose Garden Club dinner — beautiful event, thank you Mr. President. Keep Making America Great Again!”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 2, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) is taking action to combat crime and restore safety, both in the nation’s capital and in his home state of Arizona.
Biggs introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at reinforcing President Trump’s efforts to curb lawlessness in Washington, D.C., while reaffirming his commitment to making Arizona the safest state in the nation.
His first legislation, the Make D.C. Safe Again Act, amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to extend the emergency period during which the President can assume control over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from 30 days to 180 days.
This extension provides President Trump and federal authorities the necessary time to stabilize the nation’s capital, addressing the violent crime and public disorder without restrictive time constraints.
The second legislation, the Keep Offenders Off Our Streets Act, targets the practice of cashless bail in D.C., prohibiting judges from releasing criminals without requiring a secured bail bond.
By ensuring that offenders are held accountable, this bill enhances prosecutors’ ability to uphold the rule of law and maintain community safety.
“When our nation’s capital faces lawlessness, violent crime, and breakdowns in public order, the federal government has a responsibility and a constitutional duty to act decisively,” said Congressman Biggs.
“The District of Columbia is the seat of our federal government, the home of our institutions, and a symbol of American strength,” he added. “Weak leadership at the local level too often leaves D.C. vulnerable to the chaos of the radical Left. President Trump has shown time and time again his commitment to restoring law and order in D.C. and across the country. My legislation ensures that President Trump has the necessary time and authority to quell the chaos that has reigned in woke D.C.”
These legislations are cosponsored by Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), and Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD).
In a recent interview with James T. Harris, Congressman Biggs was asked, “If you were the governor of the great state of Arizona, would you invite President Trump and federal troops in to help with crime in the state?”
“We are going to make this state the safest in the union,” Biggs answered. “We are not going to need the feds, because we are going to enforce the law here. People are going to be held accountable for crime, particularly violent crimes, sex assault, and trafficking of children—we’re going to hold them accountable. If we can’t get the job done and there’s an emergency situation, then maybe that happens. I believe under my administration, the prosecutors are going to prosecute. The police officers are going to be given the resources and support they need to make the arrests, and we are going to bring Arizona back to be the safest state in the country.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Aug 16, 2025 | Economy, News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) has introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives formally recognizing America’s escalating national debt as a direct threat to national security.
As the national debt surpassed $36.2 trillion in January 2025, with the fiscal year 2024 interest expense exceeding $1.13 trillion, Congressman Biggs is urging Congress to confront the growing fiscal crisis head-on.
The resolution highlights the severity of the debt crisis, noting that the total public debt reached 120.87% of GDP in January 2025, equating to $104,780 per citizen and $323,045 per taxpayer.
It points to the federal government failing to produce a balanced budget since 1997, with the fiscal year 2024 resulting in a $1.86 trillion deficit due to federal outlays of $6.94 trillion.
The resolution warns that continued reliance on raising the debt ceiling and bypassing regular order in the appropriations process undermines fiscal responsibility and congressional oversight.
The resolution also references warnings from former national security leaders, including Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen, who have all emphasized the national debt’s threat to military and economic security.
Congressman Biggs, who has introduced this resolution in previous Congresses, remains steadfast in advocating for fiscal discipline. He has also proposed a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution to enforce long-term fiscal responsibility.
“The federal government’s wasteful spending spree is unsustainable and is inching us ever closer to a fiscal cliff,” said Biggs. “Our reckless spending habits will enable our adversaries to surpass us on the global stage and constrain our ability to defend our nation in the face of attack. It is past time for Congress to be serious about balancing the nation’s budget and making significant cuts to federal spending, lest we pin a $70 trillion debt on our children and grandchildren’s shoulders. Relying on continuing resolutions year after year is lazy legislating. Raising the debt ceiling every year is a cop out. American voters elected us to enact President Trump’s America First priorities through responsible budgeting, not to maintain the status quo. My resolution acknowledges that Washington has a spending problem and calls to restore regular order to the appropriations process.”
Congressman Biggs’ resolution and amendment are backed by cosponsors across the country, including Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep Daniel Webster (R-FL), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Rep. Keith Self (R-TX).
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Aug 9, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Public Service (APS), the state’s largest electric utility, announced Wednesday it will no longer pursue its previous pledge to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company also scrapped its interim emission reduction targets and removed a commitment to end coal-fired generation by 2031 from its website. The utility now aims to be “carbon neutral” by 2050 — a less stringent target that allows for continued fossil fuel use if emissions are offset through technology such as carbon capture.
“Our aspiration has evolved based on changes to energy markets and customer needs, and our plans are built around doing what’s right for the people and prosperity of Arizona,” said APS spokeswoman Jill Hanks in a statement to 12News.
The announcement quickly drew sharp criticism from environmental advocates, who accused the company of backing away from its public commitments. “APS is walking away from every clean energy promise it made to the public, to regulators, to shareholders, and to the communities it serves,” said Autumn Johnson, Executive Director of the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association. “We are left with vague intentions and zero accountability.”
A free-market advocacy group also voiced concerns, though from a different perspective. The Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued that the new plan still comes with a heavy cost to consumers. “While this is modestly better than the carbon-free plan they have been pushing for the last five years, APS’ new ‘carbon neutral’ plan will still cost ratepayers billions,” said Scot Mussi, the group’s president. “The priority should be reliable and affordable baseload power for Arizonans, not meeting arbitrary carbon goals that require massive amounts of expensive wind and solar that will degrade the grid.”
Some of Arizona’s elected officials also weighed in. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs criticized the decision on X, writing, “Arizona needs an abundance of energy, with a strong, and reliable grid to keep our communities safe and to continue our economic growth. This decision sets us back. It makes our air dirtier, hurts our growing clean energy economy, and forfeits the cost savings of renewable options.”
She continued, “I’ll be reaching out to APS to discuss their decision and reiterate that we must continue investing in new energy technologies and diversify our energy portfolio at the fastest rate possible.”
Hobbs’ response is interesting given her history with APS. After her inauguration, it was revealed that Pinnacle West Capital Corp., the owner of APS, donated $250,000 to Hobbs’ inaugural fund. The group also made a $100,000 donation in 2024 to Hobbs’ secret litigation fund.
Republican gubernatorial candidate, and sitting U.S. Representative, Andy Biggs offered a sharply different take than Hobbs, posting, “Every utility in our state should be prioritizing reliable and affordable energy for Arizonans, not trying to meet the demands of environmentalists pushing the Green New Scam that hurts Arizona businesses and families. As Governor, I’ll make sure Arizona aligns with President Trump’s energy agenda to help our economy flourish.”
APS data shows most of the state’s surging energy demand is coming from the expansion of data centers rather than residential growth. The company and its investors view the sector as a major opportunity for revenue.
While APS maintains it remains committed to expanding cost-competitive clean energy, the rollback represents a significant departure from the 2020 pledge.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
