The new director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Benjamin Grumbles, came to CSA's September board meeting to introduce himself to county supervisors and to outline a set of priorities for AZ DEQ. Mr. Grumbles identified three areas of focus for the agency's upcoming work: water, clean energy, and collaboration.

 

The Director called water "the state's most precious liquid asset" and emphasized the need for sustainability in Arizona's water policy. He noted that Arizona is a leader in the western region on wastewater recycling, and identified a need to educate the public about wastewater recycling in light of common stigmas about the practice. He also announced the creation of a Blue Ribbon Panel to be led by DEQ, Herb Gunther at the state Department of Water Resources, and Arizona Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes. The panel will include inputs from the public and private sector and will seek to make recommendations on sustainable water policy for Arizona.

 

Director Grumbles also said the agency would be focusing on clean energy, climate and growth. He suggested the state should look for ways to boost clean energy production with "no trade offs--we can grow jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time." The Director pointed to emerging technologies like carbon capture, algae processing, and biofuels that could affect energy in Arizona.

 

Finally, Director Grumbles focused on collaboration, saying that building partnerships and working with multiple agencies is essential to creating environmental change: "I learned over and over that while you have enforcement tools, the key to sustaining environmental performance is to collaborate.

 

AZ DEQ Director Benjamin Grumbles was appointed by Governor Brewer. He has worked in the U.S. Congress staffing the Public Works committee and has headed the Environmental Protection Agency's National Water Program. He has also managed the EPA's Intergovernmental Office and he teaches environmental law.

 

Top

---