MODERATOR RICH DUBEK: No one was available to speak in favor of this legislative referenda, but there's certainly somebody who doesn't like it at all. She is Sandy Bahr, Director of the Sierra Club's Grand Canyon chapter, and she will speak in opposition to Prop 120. Sandy, two minutes.
MS. SANDY BAHR: Thank you. We urge all Arizonans to vote "no" on Proposition 120. Make no mistake, Prop 120 is a legislative land grab. It was referred to the ballot by the Arizona Legislature to change Arizona's Constitution and to assert state sovereignty over federal public lands in Arizona.
It also seeks exclusive authority over air, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. So, what does that mean? It means that the Arizona legislature wants control of national parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife refuges, and also seeks to undermine protections provided by federal law, such as the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water Act.
Prop 120 is both unconstitutional and extreme. The Legislature's attempt to grab these public lands violates the Arizona Constitution and U.S. Constitution, and it even violates the law that granted Arizona statehood.
Prop 120 is irresponsible. The State cannot properly fund and manage its own state park system. Several parks have closed in recent years because the Legislature swept the funds to keep those parks running. If implemented, Prop 120 would have an enormous tax burden on the state, and it would have a huge fiscal impact.
And besides, how could we trust the Arizona Legislature with Grand Canyon National Park? Our public lands are of national importance, supported strongly by Arizonans and belong to all Americans, including future generations. They fuel our economy; they support wildlife; our wildlife heritage; provide an abundance of recreational opportunities; and sustain our quality of life. Please vote "no" on Proposition 120.
You can find out more at NoOnProp120.com. Thank you. |
