by Ethan Faverino | May 8, 2026 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) participated in a Federal Partners Forum focused on addressing the distinct needs of Arizona’s rural communities, joining representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and other federal agencies.
The event, held on May 5 at Yavapai College’s Center for Learning and Innovation in Prescott, convened more than 120 local and regional leaders alongside state and federal officials.
Senior Representatives from multiple federal agencies attended, including the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
During the forum, agency officials presented information on available federal resources and programs designed to support rural Arizona. Discussion topics included expanding access to healthcare, boosting small business growth, modernizing infrastructure, increasing affordable housing options, and enhancing broadband connectivity.
Participants were able to engage directly with federal partners to foster relationships, explore partnership opportunities, and identify practical solutions for long-term community development in rural areas.
“While our state faces many unique challenges, including Washington’s longstanding tendency to prioritize urban and coastal areas, we’re grateful to the Trump administration for putting rural interests at the forefront,” stated Rep. Crane. “Yesterday’s forum served as a catalyst for new opportunities and partnerships across local, state, and federal levels. I appreciate Yavapai College for hosting, and I’m thankful to Lori Urban, Lori Corbin, and everyone who helped make this event a success.”
The Federal Partners Forum is part of ongoing efforts to bridge gaps between rural communities and federal resources, ensuring Arizona’s rural priorities receive targeted attention and support.
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Jun 21, 2025 | Economy, News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Resolution Copper project, a joint venture of BHP and Rio Tinto, issued a statement Tuesday welcoming the republication of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for its proposed underground mine 60 miles east of Phoenix near Superior, AZ.
The proposed development of the largest untapped copper deposit in the world relies on a major land-swap between the Rio Tinto, BHP, federal and state governments to proceed.
Initially the FEIS for the project was released by the Forest Service in 2021, but was later withdrawn by the agency to provide additional time for the USFS to study the objections of tribal governments and the overall community.
The proposed mine is controversial and would ultimately transform the Oak Flat parcel southwest of Superior, currently forest service land, into a 1.8-mile-wide crater between 800 and 1,115 feet deep, in exchange for 6,005 acres of land to be transferred by BHP and Rio Tinto local, state and federal governments and agencies.
“As part of the land exchange, Resolution Copper has committed to initiatives that support cultural preservation, recreation, education, employment, economic development, and nature through long-term partnerships with Native American Tribes and local communities. This includes significant funding in a long-term Native American Trust Fund and Emory Oak restoration,” Resolution Copper stated. “Other commitments focus on conservation and monitoring of seeps and springs; restoration and preservation of creeks, rivers, and watersheds; and habitat enhancement for biodiversity.”
Vicky Peacey, General Manager of Resolution Copper said, “Through this process, we have deepened our relationships with local communities and Native American Tribes, including our senior leaders spending time with Tribal leaders to listen and build mutual understanding. We welcome the opportunity to continue these conversations as we move into the next phase of permitting. Working together, mining can co-exist with cultural heritage, recreation, and nature, while delivering new economic opportunities in rural Arizona.”
“This project has undergone one of the most comprehensive environmental and social reviews in U.S. history,” she added. “The republication of the FEIS reflects the thorough work by the USFS, local communities, and Native American Tribes and the seriousness with which all stakeholders have approached this process. We remain committed to earning trust through transparency, engagement, and responsible development as we move forward.” In PR posts to social media, Resolution Copper boasts the prospects of adding $1.2 Billion to Arizona’s economy and thousands of jobs in Superior and Magma, AZ, totaling $270 million in annual salaries.
In a statement posted to X, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressed the Trump administration’s support for the proposal early in the week, noting that the republication of the withdrawn FEIS is “an important step in advancing President Trump’s goal of emergency and mineral independence by boosting domestic mineral production.” Rollins added, “The Resolution Copper project is a prime example of how we can harness America’s abundant resources to fuel growth in rural America, reduce our dependence on foreign imports, strengthen our supply chains, and enhance our national security.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture detailed in a Tuesday release that the land transfer cannot occur until August 19, 2025, or 60 days after the Federal Register notice is published per a ruling from a U.S. District Court on June 9th. It added that, if approved, the mine is projected to generate $149 million in annual payroll, with approximately 1,500 jobs, providing between $80 and $120 million a year in estimated state and local tax revenue as well as $200 million a year to the federal government. The final environmental impact statement is expected to be posted to the Federal Register, along with the draft decision record from the USFS on June 20th.
The public has 45 days to make any objections to the decision and the USFS must respond and address any objections within 90 days, meaning the project could see final approval as soon as November 2nd.
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 Jonathan Eberle | May 5, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Former Arizona State Senator Sine Kerr has been appointed as the State Executive Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Arizona, a move lauded by state Republican leaders who had advocated strongly for her selection.
In a formal letter dated March 24, 2025, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, Speaker Pro Tempore T.J. Shope, Majority Leader Janae Shamp, and Majority Whip Frank Carroll expressed unified support for Kerr’s appointment, calling her a “leader of tremendous character” and “an incredible asset to the USDA’s efforts in Arizona.” The letter cited Kerr’s longstanding commitment to agriculture and her leadership on landmark legislation aimed at water conservation, rural development, and regulatory relief for farmers.
Kerr served in the Arizona Senate from 2018 to 2025, chairing the Senate Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee. Her legislative record includes spearheading the state’s participation in the Drought Contingency Plan for the Colorado River, protecting Yuma-area water users, and securing infrastructure investments for Pinal County irrigation. She also led efforts on SB 1145 (irrigation efficiency projects), SB 1448 (agricultural nuisance protections), SB 1734 (ag property reclassification notices), and SB 1740 (water infrastructure financing).
In 2023, her colleagues elevated her to the Senate Leadership Team as Majority Whip. She played a critical role in passing a conservative budget that included Arizona’s largest-ever tax rebate and increased investment in state parks and agricultural water systems. In 2024, Kerr passed SB 1081 to support economic growth in rural areas by allowing water supply collaboration across districts.
On May 2, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins confirmed Kerr’s appointment as part of a new slate of presidential selections for key state leadership roles at the USDA. “When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives,” said Rollins. “This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country… I look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again.”
Kerr’s appointment comes at a critical time as Arizona continues to face challenges related to water scarcity, rural infrastructure, and agricultural sustainability. With deep roots in the state’s farming community and a legislative career defined by agricultural advocacy, Kerr is seen by many in Arizona’s political and agricultural circles as a natural fit for the position.
Senate President Petersen and his colleagues summed up the sentiment in their letter: “Lending earned credibility to everything she touches, Senator Kerr would be an exceptional choice to lead the Farm Service Agency as its Arizona State Director.”
Her appointment is expected to bolster the USDA’s efforts in Arizona as it seeks to strengthen rural economies and support agricultural producers under the renewed priorities of the Trump administration.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 26, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona State Senate is considering a bill that would prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using their benefits to purchase soda. House Bill 2165 (H.B. 2165) directs the state’s Department of Economic Security (DES) to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the restriction.
The measure, which has already passed in the Arizona House of Representatives by a vote of 32-27-1, would require the DES Director to request the waiver. If granted, the purchase of carbonated beverages containing more than one gram of added sugar or artificial sweeteners would be banned for SNAP recipients. If the waiver is denied, the bill mandates that Arizona reapply annually until it is approved.
SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded initiative that assists low-income households in purchasing groceries. The program currently allows for the purchase of a variety of food products, including bread, meat, dairy, and infant formula, but excludes items such as alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, and non-food goods.
Supporters of the bill argue that it promotes healthier choices for low-income families and ensures that taxpayer-funded benefits are used for nutritious food. Critics, however, contend that the restriction unfairly targets SNAP recipients and could create logistical challenges in enforcing the ban.
The bill was assigned to the Senate’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee for further consideration. If passed and signed into law, the restriction would take effect following the USDA’s approval of the waiver.
The financial impact of the legislation is expected to be minimal, as no additional costs to the state’s General Fund have been identified. The debate over the bill is expected to continue as lawmakers weigh the balance between nutritional policy and personal choice.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 21, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
In a bipartisan effort between Republican Congressman Eli Crane (AZ) and Democrat Congressman Mike Levin (CA), the “Hire Veterans Act” was reintroduced to the U.S. House of Representatives. If enacted, the bill would employ U.S. military veterans in vacant, critical roles within the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
According to Crane, all three of the federal land management agencies have been suffering from serious staffing shortages that have negatively impacted their operational effectiveness. In particular, both Congressmen cited the U.S. Forest Service facing an ongoing struggle to recruit and train staff in multiple critical roles with what they referred to as “a noticeable gap in the experience and skill sets of candidates, affecting their capacity to address increasing wildfire threats.”
“As a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, I’m all too familiar with the obstacles servicemen and women face when transitioning to civilian life. I’m also well-aware of the challenges our federal land management agencies currently face, particularly in filling vacancies for firefighters, park rangers, and foresters,” said Crane in a press release.
As reported by the New York Times, 3,400 employees from the U.S. Forest Service were terminated by the Trump Administration on Thursday, amounting to approximately 10% of the service’s workforce. Many of the newer employees would have been hired under the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion regimen of the Biden Administration.
“With this bill, Congress has the opportunity to both streamline the employment process for veterans AND better ensure that our natural resources are protected for future generations. I’m grateful to be able to introduce this legislation that serves our veterans while furthering the responsible stewardship of U.S. land,” Crane added.
“Our veterans sacrifice so much for our nation. We have an obligation to ensure that veterans returning to civilian life can get jobs and support their families,” said Rep. Levin. “I’m glad to be partnering with Rep. Crane on our bipartisan bill to expand opportunities for veterans and help connect them to jobs in federal land management agencies. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important legislation.”
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which manages the Forest Service, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued a memorandum to rescind all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs and celebrations. Instead, the USDA will reprioritize unity, equality, meritocracy, and color-blind policies.
Rollins said in her opening remarks at the USDA, “We will neither commemorate nor celebrate our immutable characteristics, neither among ourselves nor among Americans at large. We will instead celebrate the things that make us American: merit, faith, and liberty first among them. All Americans deserve equal dignity, and at this Department they will receive it. On this precipice of the 250th anniversary of our Revolution, we will rededicate ourselves to ‘the proposition that all men are created equal.’”
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.
