According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), on New Year's Eve 2023, “Phoenix experienced the highest smoke levels since reliable records began in 2010.” Widespread use of ground-based and aerial fireworks and wood burning were deemed the major culprits.
The Fountain Hills Environmental Plan reflects the goals, policies and action items for maintaining our local environment. It derives from the 2020 General Plan that was approved by the town council and voters. The Guiding Principles of the Environmental Plan are to “Continue to preserve and conserve the natural desert, support open space, identify and protect historical and archaeological resources, and develop and implement programs and policies that encourage water and energy conservation and reduce water and air pollution.”

Magnificent principles. They encompass why many of us who value health, wellness and idyllic beauty likely moved to Fountain Hills. Who can’t get behind conservation, innovation and mitigating pollution? Who could possibly disrespect residents who lent their voice to the voter-approved Environmental Plan?

Mayor Dickey was on board, as were Councilmembers McMahon and Grzybowski. It was none other than Councilmembers Friedel, Kalivianakis, Skillicorn and Toth who collaborated to dismantle a plan that promoted alternatives to gas-powered equipment, encouraged clean-energy alternatives and healthier lifestyles and sought to leverage energy renewables for construction projects and clean-energy transit.

ADEQ recommends switching to electric lawn equipment, carpooling when possible and replacing fireworks with sparklers, glow sticks and LED decorations that festively entertain without contributing to pollution that is “particularly bad for sensitive groups, kids and the elderly.” That is, many of the same guiding principles desired by Environmental Plan advocates.
“Toxic fireworks” are also evident among our councilmembers, as this newspaper recently exposed. For our health and wellness and that of our environment, we must make wiser ballot-box decisions.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.