Arizona Announces First Ever Statewide Chief Heat Officer

The Arizona Department of Health Services announces Eugene Livar, MD as the nation’s first-ever statewide Chief Heat Officer. This position is an initiative created underGovernor Hobb’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan. Addressing extreme heat in Arizona is one of Governor Hobbs’ important initiatives and will involve a multitude of state agencies along with the Governor’s Office of Resiliency.  

Action Alert

Join our partner, Sierra Club, in asking President Biden and EPA Administrator Regan to implement strong action to cut pollution to promote clean air and protect our health.

Take Action Here

The FIVE Big Decisions That Really Matter

In a recent blog from Rewiring America, “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Start with these five swaps to get on the path to better (electric) living.” We were intrigued and thought we would share their BIG FIVE and get your take on them, are you inclined to adopt one or two of these suggestions? How many do you already have in place? Why or why not adopt these suggestions?  Let us know:  aznacchworkgroup@gmail.com

• How you cook your food: induction cooking is the safest (and fastest) method for any menu.Homeowner/Renter
• How you heat your home: heat pumps can keep your home temp comfortable in all seasons (AZ is ahead on this one, since most homes use these) Homeowner/Renter
• How you heat your water: heat pump water heaters deliver hot showers without emissions. Homeowner/Renter
• What kind of car you drive: Electric vehicles are more affordable now than ever before. Homeowner/Renter
• Where your electricity comes from: Solar is a game-changer for households and communities. Homeowner/Renter

What We Are Reading & Listening to This Week

• Toxic Gas That Sterilizes Medical Devices Prompts Safety Rule Update (KFF Health News, Feb 29)Where these plants are located (two are in Arizona)
• EPA delaying tougher regulations on gas power plants (Wash Post, Feb 29)
• FDA Announces End to ‘Forever Chemicals’ in US Food Packaging (MedPage Today, Feb 28)
• The ‘greenest’ car in America might surprise you (Wash Post, Feb 29)
• Governor Hobbs Announces Extreme Heat Preparedness Plan (News Release, Mar 1)
• Could ‘Microfactories’ Pave a New Path Forward for Plastic Recycling? (Inside Climate News, Mar 5)

Webinars & Meetings

• Webinar: Public Health Messaging: Focus on Your Audience Monday, March 18^th 1:00 pm.An offering from the new WEST EJ Center in partnership with the Western Region Public Health Training Center.
• Meeting: March AzNA Climate Change & Health Workgroup Meeting Tuesday, March 12^th 5:30 pm Zoom Link
• Podcast: Healthcare’s Carbon Footprint (Feb 28)

Thank you for joining us in making a healthier planet today!