The San Pedro River is in danger

Support for the Protection of the San Pedro River

The Hermitage Program, a 25+ service of the CCA (Cascabel Conservation Association) stewarding wildlands for those needing solitude in transitional times or decision-making times, would be irrevocably impacted. –Susan T.

I will be retiring to Arizona next year. I had always planned to spend my next years in the midst of the beautiful natural environment and cultural richness that is the middle San Pedro valley. It is heartbreaking to see that wonderful place turned into an industrial corridor, just for corporate profit, especially when so many more sensible options are available for routing. I hope that this sad outcome can be prevented. –Deborah S-L.

I would like to share with you that I am a strong advocate for clean renewable energy, and have spoken out in public about the need for converting to such energy given the awful toll that global warming is already beginning to wreak. And it will only get worse. However, this project is the wrong one. It looks set to destroy the land in order to save it,. Destroying the land appears to me to be on the immediate horizon. –Elna O.

This wildland valley is part of my livelihood and goes a long way to giving folks passing through a chance to understand wilderness and how important it is for them personally along with the value of the ecosystem. I rent a cabin here that has been an instrumental experience for so many. It should be a state priority to keep it unblemished. –Susan N.

So called “green” wind energy generation causes way more environmental and biological impact than previously thought, and is the least effective, and least reliable form of energy generation, heavily relying on government subsidies and market interference to keep it going. Just ask Germany, the country of my birth, once upon a time aiming for 100% green energy generation, mainly wind, and is now as a consequence facing severe energy insecurity, and the highest energy prices in the world. The marginal product delivered by this transmission line can be transported using existing corridors and is not worth this double environmental sacrifice, including the pristine San Pedro Valley. Rescind the permit. Reroute the line through existing corridors. -Birgit G.

We think that it is outrageous that they have already started tearing up large swaths of the potential sacred lands without having completed the required studies. – Lynn and Charlie F.

On a personal vote, I have visited the San Pedro Valley, and found it to be an invaluable resource. I have a friend who lives there and other friends who are interested in preserving the migratory bird route going through there. Why allow damage to an invaluable piece of nature when there are less damaging alternatives available. –Alan B.

It is important Arizona Corporation Commission is required to balance Arizona’s need for reliable, economical electricity with minimal damage to the ecological and archeological resources of the state. –Gail L.

We’re landowners in Cascabel, in the San Pedro Valley. We spend several months a year here, contributing to the economy of southeast AZ, where we have developed deep connections to this landscape. –Deborah B.

I urge you to review and reconsider SunZia’s construction in the San Pedro Valley, for the economical, environmental, and cultural reasons listed above. I urge you to contact the ACC, and ask questions about the Certificate of Environmental Compatibility. We do not need to make a false choice between renewable energy and conserving our state’s last remaining wild lands and rich cultural resources, especially when that renewable energy is not guaranteed to even benefit Arizona ratepayers. This is not inevitable. There is still an opportunity to protect Arizona’s energy interests, the ecological diversity of this great state, and the historical and cultural resources of Native Americans in our community. Thank you for your time. –Marissa K.

While SunZia may create a temporary boost to the economy, it will surely cause irrevocable harm to the thriving ecosystems that call the San Pedro River Valley home. Humans are accountable and responsible to protect non-human systems that don’t have a voice in this conversation. Thank you for your consideration of the big picture and the long view. –Jodi W.

I would hope that you would consider our requests seriously. These lines will impact our valley in a most egregious manner. They can impact wildlife here in a way that no one on the ACC seems to care about. Please consider our request seriously. –Brenda B.

I love the San Pedro River and you will hurt this river and potentially kill along with the fish and the animals that call it home it with this project. Pick a different spot that so many don’t hold dear. –Kristina O.

The impact of this project is going to do irreversible damage to an already delicate landscape. Please consider putting a halt to this already damaging project. –Emily G.

I have been visiting Cascabel since I was a child and it would be horrible for that valley to be disturbed with this project. Our natural spaces are finite and we cannot so brazenly use them up. –Casiana O.

This beautiful and crucial nature preserve should be protected. –Hannah I.

Why create another path when others already exist. Direct or not, it seems a waste to continue expanding these systems rather than upgrading them. –Andrew P.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the San Pedro River Valley enjoying it’s natural beauty and studying the plants and animals there. This is one of the most intact ares of connected open space left in the Sky Islands and deserves proper protection. –Louise M.

Protect Nature and the Environment. –Stephen D.

What i love most about Arizona are its unique and beautiful wild lands and wildlife. Projects such as this harm what is best in Arizona and threaten species that were here long before we were. Please demand that these plans be altered to protect the San Pedro Valley before irreparable harm is done. –Catherine M.

As an Arizona voter, ratepayer, and naturalist, I am concerned about preserving culturally and ecologically sensitive areas in our great state. As a Pima County resident living in Tucson, I am particularly concerned about this project as it is so close to home! –Gregory M.

We have a duty to protect these important wild places. –Marge P.

In summary, there are serious questions about the legitimacy of the current SunZia corridor through the San Pedro River Valley. This unique and irreplaceable national treasure deserves the highest protection, given its historic, cultural, and wildlife importance. –Thomas Z.

The waterways of Arizona have been repeatedly given lower priority than profits for big companies. This must stop. The citizens demand it. –Salon R.

As a Native Arizonian, 3 rd generation, I am concerned about the environmental issues of this project. I also believe the Native Americans whose Sacred Lands are affected should be listened to and their beliefs and needs should be taken seriously. –N. J. R.

Have you ever visited the San Pedro River Valley? If not, I can’t recommend enough that you do so. It’s an Arizona treasure that is beautiful, wild, and irreplaceable. In spring, the brilliant green of cottonwood leaves hovers over the flowing river. The environmental and cultural significance simply can’t be overstated. The SunZia line does not need to go through the San Pedro River Valley–other alternatives exist that would cause far less harm by co-locating the line with existing utilities. The ACC can make a substantially better choice on behalf of Arizona voters! It’s their job to do so and yours to hold them accountable. Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to a positive resolution to this issue that halts SunZia construction and preserves the wild beauty of the San Pedro River Valley. –Julie J.

I love driving to the town of Bisbee and along the way enjoy the riparian area between Sierra Vista and Bisbee along with The Sandhill Cranes who on the other side of that same riparian area are another fabulous force of nature , who stop for migratory reasons there the same time of year in late Jan-Feb for resting and their flights onward. . . It would be tragic for them and their flocks as well as the other riparion birds and other creatures in that habitat to be subjected to something other than a natural habitat in order to survive as they’e numbers are already diminishing , Why not follow the already corridor for this project instead of forging one that places our migratory birds in jeoparduy. .. I implore you to reject this current plan as Arizona is already being assaulted with mines including our Sky Islands area where this South 32 mine is a most worrisome presence. Patagonia holds one of the most diverse environments in all of Arizona and our natural resources are at extreme risk for water pollution as well as slagg etc. . . Please consider the safe and better path for the project you are proposing for the San Pedro Valley. . . –Cheryl S.

I am strongly opposed to infrastructure degrading open spaces when it can be correctly designed along existing urban infrastructure. Natural spaces are valuable assets to our state and should be preserved and advocated as a financial investment for the health of the state economy. Construction is a momentary act that will have generational consequences and has not been correctly designed. –Matthew L.

Arizona is running out of wild areas with great biodiversity and every day there is less. It is time to place a higher value on our undisturbed lands and put projects like the one in question in abandoned agricultural lands. –George T.

I have followed this for several years. You can follow existing power lines and not seriously impaact this important stretch of the San Pedro. –James N.

I am concerned that Arizona is losing one undisturbed area of wild and riparian lands after another. We should be increasing the ares our threatened wildlife can utilize, not decreasing. Profit cannot be the only considered factor. Our quality of life matters, as does the quality of life for our feathered, furred and scaled friends. Sun Zia has other routes it can use without ruining the San Pedro riparian area. –Meredith A.

Please listen to the people. Put this decision through the right process. –William C.

All wild lands are sacred. Please protect these lands for future generations. Muchas gracias! –Lindsay

I understand the need for redundant utility supply to benefit the people of Arizona, but I do not understand why the choice to run this service line through prime natural riparian and wildlife habitat areas. Existing utility corridors exist, and the money should be invested to keep this new service in the same corridor. –Christian C.

Please compare the benefits to Ariz. with the disturbance to this sensitive area…..to get electricity to Calif. (and make $money for SunZia) I know Cascabel and the San Pedro River
Natural areas should be priority. We can’t get them back. And I will pay attention for who I vote for ACC in Nov. –Barbara M.

In this day and age, given all we humans have done to the environment, it is imperative we protect all we have left. Scenic, wildlife, cultural, natural and so on must be protected at all costs, no matter how small or big. –Ted

Protecting this important area is critical to people’s health and to future generations. –Joy M.

Stick to the intent of environmental and cultural preservation laws and best-practices: keep regional transmission lines in existing easements, growing those as necessary to avoid disturbing wild and vulnerable environmental resources. –Jennifer B.

Please do not run this destructive power line corridor through the San Pedro River. –Brit R.

In summary, this project does not belong in Arizona! –Alice B.

I live along the San Pedro River riparian corridor and I strongly support rerouting the Sun Zia route to follow existing power line routes. –Robert L.

Arizona can’t keep treating our resources as if our state exists only to serve other states and the people who would profit here, without minimal benefit to the state. The San Pedro is really important. A rare river in a large arid state. Please do not allow profiteers to continue to draw down the water table and risk loosing this river and the habitat that surrounds it and destroy the communities that rely on the aquifer. –Deb S.

I think there should be serious consideration given to the location of the SunZia project. Short-term answers to renewable energy do not necessarily have to cost us Arizonans access to our unique heritage lands. –Reilly J.

As a relatively new resident of Arizona, I am disappointed to find the number of times the State has made decisions that are not in the interest of its citizens: * Giving away groundwater to foreign entities while personal wells go dry. * Creating an adjudication process that incentivizes using more water in order to keep water rights instead of incentivizing water rights holders to use less water. * Permitting further fragmentation and pollution of the wild lands that not only make the state a desirable place to be, but is the source of the health and vitality of its citizenry. Do we really want to be another California that uses an animal on its flag that no longer can be found in the state? In this case, we can stop listening to the false promises of an outside international mega corp that is only interested in cornering the market of wind power in the United States and is not interested in what the citizens of Arizona need and refocus our efforts on localized, distributed, redundant, and secure energy sources that don’t require destroying or fragmenting our wild lands or fouling our waters with new mines. – Thomas B.T.

This transmission line through the San Pedro river valley does not need to exist. Other options are available. –Jennifer M.

We have some pristine habitat that we can choose to protect. There are other options to route this power. These are beautiful lands and an important part of the biodiversity of our state. We can both build infrastructure and protect our fragile ecosystems. –-Steven L.

I just wanted to remind my representatives that land conservation and sustainable energy are extremely important to Arizonans, myself included, and I hope that you can support those values that we all care so much about rather than prioritizing profit. –Holly A.

It is deeply concerning that Arizona is willingly allowing California to defile its wilderness beyond the scope of unfettered tourism and, most recently, allowing Californians to drive up the cost of living in Arizona. Make Arizona for Arizonans, and save this riperian area. –Ryan B.

There is no excuse for allowing this power transmission line to be built along this path. I work as an Environmental educator in Tucson, working primarily with underserved youth aged 14-18. As an organization, we are constantly hearing from youth that they have little or no hope for our future, as adults in power continue to greenlight irreparable environmental destruction & further exacerbate the ongoing climate crisis. As adults, I feel that we are obligated to show these youth, through our actions, that we care about them and their futures. The only way to do this is to stop all environmental degradation. No more power lines through otherwise intact habitat for plants and animals. Youth need to know that there are adults who are on their side. –Paige H.

This power line corridor is a remarkably poor choice. You can easily run this line along the I-10 corridor … it’s already trashed out by the highway, by gas lines running next to it and the addition of the line would be barely noticed .. in the San Pedro valley it is a hideous environmental disaster. This thing needs to be stopped …. NOW –Mike I.

The San Pedro River is a vital ecosystem and needs protection and preservation.
I implore you to redesign the route. The damage that will be done to the river basin area cannot be undone. An alternative plan is essential. –Beth S.

I am a frequent visitor of the Tucson Arizona area with hopes of retiring there. Does anyone consider the lifespan of these renewable energy projects? It is absolutely absurd. –Christine C.

Please keep the San Pedro valley beautiful. California has been abusing other states forever. Growing up in Washington state. We built dams so California could have cheap power. Now they are doing the same thing to Arizona. Let them build their own power lines and solar/windmills in their state. Please keep Arizona beautiful. –Kay N.

​​I have lived in Arizona for my whole life and am so very proud of the wild spaces within this beautiful state. The wild spaces of Arizona make this state such a special place for the people, plants, and animals who live here, and they desperately need our help to keep them wild and free. The long term health and wellness of Arizona’s inhabitants should be more important than short term profits, and it is your responsibility to uphold that. Thank you. –Kariah S.

I am a native Arizonan and acutely aware of how a disregard for conservation efforts damaged this state back in the 50’s and 60’s when I was growing up. Let’s not repeat the “growth at all cost” and old-fashioned ways of going about these projects. – Elaine W.

The San Pedro River Valley has been my home for 40 years. The destruction of our natural desert is heartbreaking. This needs to stop! –Deborah M.

Please do not allow this construction to take place in our ecologically significant/sensitive areas. This kind of damage to the environment cannot be repaired! – Mary A.

I live in this area, which is under attack by initiatives cloaked under the veil of “green energy” – SunZia just north of my home, Faraday Copper in front of my home — all of which threaten the last remaining natural and intact river ecosystem in Southern Arizona. How on Earth is this possible? When existing routes and existing infrastructure exist, why were they not used? How much sense does it make to tear up one of the most important migratory bird corridors – and one of the world’s largest mesquite bosques? Many of us are ‘for’ green energy, but not when it runs roughshod over the environment. This “destroy the environment to save the environment” mentality has GOT to stop. There will be NOTHING left of our beautiful, ecologically diverse Sonoran Desert. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Please reverse this horrible decision that Biden is steamrolling through on his “I’m the Green President” agenda (also evident with his decisions in Patagonia with the Hermosa/South32 mine). Someone needs to protect our state. Can you help? –Melissa C. F.

SunZia and ACC need to be held accountable for not following the correct steps and procedures. Someone needs.to stop them now! How do any of you sleep at night? How about you do what’s RIGHT for a change. –Aimee R.

The Sunzia destruction is already unsightly in the area of Hwy 77 @ Oracle State Park. @ Arizona National Scenic trail. Where they are currently killing my Sonoran Desert. @ The Arizona Trail where motorized equipment is not allowed. Meanwhile dozens of work trucks and bulldozers tear up pristine desert . The power lines transmission will affect the growth of the future and current Flora and Fauna. Please hear my voice to save the San Pedro River Valley. It should have gone along interstate 10 and where the existing infrastructure! –Maria C.

They are really destroying the desert around us. It will serve no benefit to the residents of AZ that I can see. – Roxanne G.

Please do what’s right and stand up for our community, for our state and for our cultural history and the migratory animals that need the San Pedro River Valley. – Julie K.

I visit the San Pedro Valley often to hike along the river and watch for signs of the newly introduced beavers there. I also enjoy the solitude in so many part of this valley. Please do not further damage this place while there is any alternative. Also, why should Arizona be damaged to provide energy to California. Even if it is energy for Arizona, don’t run it through San Pedro Valley. –Reta and Robert R.

I’ve been an owner of land adjacent to the San Pedro River in Cascabel for over 30 years. The natural beauty and wildlife diversity are integral to the value of the property, and to my enjoyment of the property. The SunZia line is absolutely the wrong sort of project, in the wrong place. The multiple harms it will cause are inexcusable and intolerable to contemplate. Please take a closer look at what you would destroy, and reject the project. –Christine C.

As a member of 7 Directions of Service, Native-led frontline environmental justice organization, we stand in solidarity with the Tohono O’Odham Nation, San Carlos Apache Tribe and allies working to protect and preserve Sacred Places and natural resources threatened by this disastrous project. –Kasey K.

I’ve been involved in San Pedro protection work for 29 years now. It was wrenching to see the photographs of the work that was done starting last year. It has been especially hard for years now, knowing that an alternative route was available for this line almost from the beginning of its conception. But the first owners of the project weren’t amenable to cooperation, and instead dug in their heels for their own proposal. They could possibly still cooperate and use existing line infrastructure. –Tricia G.

The ACC clearly has not adequately addressed consultation and compliance concerns for the proposed San Pedro route of the SunZia project. Lawsuits and public discontent will negate the benefit of short-term profits resulting from this ill-conceived plan. It is hard to see significant benefits to Arizona electrical consumers from ACC’s decision to support the San Pedro route for this project. The ACC’s decision only serves to underscore public distrust in ACC’s mission, motives, and commitment to public interest. –Steve B.

I have lived in Arizona my whole life and I am an active bird watcher and conservationist. I don’t want to see Arizona’s habitat go to waste by large projects such as these. I believe money is better spent protecting our habitat, not only because it’s important for the wildlife, but because it’s important for us (humans). I will also make the argument to be financially smart, our habitat and species diversity is what brings a lot of travel and funding in to the state – just look at data for what bird watchers, hunters, hikers, bikers, outdoor enthusiasts spend every year!! This area is worth protecting! –Alexis S.

Other than the Grand Canyon, the San Pedro River Valley is the largest, unfragmented ecosystem in Arizona, and simply must be protected from this transmission system and its eco unfriendly design. –Douglas R.

I ask why they are allowed to destroy our valley while their project is under question and so many are against this travesty of a project? Shouldn’t their work be on hold until the controversy is settled? –Diana T.

I’d like to add another question: How much profit is involved, and is that the only motive for damaging the area? Hasn’t enough harm been done to our unique desert environment and to the indigenous people who have suffered under the machinations of big corporations? –Judith K.

I’m frankly appalled that this project has gotten so far along. On which planet does it make sense to degrade the beautiful San Pedro River corridor for this transmission line? I really hope you will consider rescinding your vote. –Greta A.

I am very worried about this project. It will take away the natural habitat and ecosystems of the wildlife and many will perish. The area needs to stay as it is. Natural areas need protection not destruction. –Donna G.

Help keep our enviroment clean and safe for all earthly habits. –George M.

The San Pedro River Valley is a crucial ecological place and your utility corridor would ruin that place. Build them in California..Mojave desert. Please stop this project. It apparently has no regard for the people or natural habitat of Arizona. –Susan B.

this power line is yet another play by people who neither know or care about the importance of wilderness, wildlife, and protecting the ancestral lands of those who have lived here for centuries. –Darien A.

I may not live in Arizona, but the life of the desert impacts my life and yours–all of ours. We cannot continue to let big business ravage every natural place on Earth or soon we will have nothing left and we too will be gone. Please stop this project and say yes to life for all of us. Your children and mine. –Stephanie B.

SunZia’s initiation of construction prior to completing the requirements of two cultural resource conditions in their state permit is inappropriate. Additionally, despite significant discussion and consultation with local are representatives, the current construction is creating major access locations that will be subject to erosion and degradation of the local landscape, IE-in my greater neighborhood area. The above question #4 has never been adequately addressed either by the ACC or Sun ZIA. I understand the need for updated utility corridors, but current construction locations are not situated in the existing corridor. –Nancy S.

I believe that continuing with this is unacceptable. Sacrificing the natural environment of the San Pedro is totally wrong. How can this be justified. Arizona needs to do more to protect this area and others before the ecology of the state is destroyed. –Debbie M.

This place, this water way, this borderland is so precious. The current path will destroy life ways that have evolved over thousands or perhaps millions of years. Please consider the future of all living things, human and non human. –Leslie E.

On personal note there is no reason to be destroying habitat and this ecologically sensitive area when you can follow existing power line corridors to benefit another state. Who is being paid off to push this through is more the question. –Catherine K.

I love the increasingly rare fee-flowing streams of Southern Arizona, as do our native animals a birds. Please stop this senseless, destructive project! –Renee D.

I am a seasonal resident of the San Pedro River Valley and I can personally attest to the bustling diversity of the area. I am all for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to clean energy but not at the sacrifice of one of the last in tact ecosystems in Arizona. The SunZia power line is a misuse of resources and will harm the rich cultural history along the river. –Edith R.

I love to go back to my home state to see the beautiful desert there. This project greatly saddens me because I already see the damage solar farms do as I pass through the I-10 corridor outside of Desert Center on the way to Phoenix. Its an awful sight to see the desert stripped way for solar panels. – Cathleen Guthrie

You’re action on this is being witnessed. Do what’s right for the San Pedro and future generations. –Patricia A.

I would hope this line can be re-located to existing power corridors and not bring heavy industry into a pristine and ecologically important river valley. If that increases cost the company and ratepayers should absorb that cost. Arizona should not sacrifice the last free flowing river valley in southern Arizona when there are alternatives. The greatest profit to the company should not be the determining factor. –William G.

We have few chances to protect riparian places in Arizona, and the San Pedro watershed is one of them. Please think about your grand and great grandchildren. –Barbara R.

Allowing SunZia to move along with their intended project is completely reckless. This is a stab to our Native people and to our future in AZ. This is a travesty to our environment. –Bridget C.

As a desert ecologist, I’m certainly in favor of sustainable energy projects, IF and only if, they will not jeopardize the welfare of our state’s vital and severely limited natural resources. Giving the SunZia project the green light was premature, and its long-term impact must be reconsidered. In the meantime, I urge you to halt its construction. –Thomas W.

All of nature depends on man to be a proper steward of the planet and protect nature and riparian area. The San Pedro is one of the most important rivers and natural areas in the state of Arizona. We cannot compromise these areas. We must leave them as we find them. Providing power closer to the point of use is one of the best answers. It is old thinking to run hundreds of miles of power lines to get power to some far away point. Please reconsider the decision to doom the San Pedro with power lines. The damage will be irreversible. –Lois P.

Please serve the vast majority of people who want to protect the environment, and the quality of life of the plants and animals who live on this planet. Please do not serve those who put their personal material gain before all else. –Richard C.

Nature is critically important! Thank you for doing your part! –Mary B.

Please leave something undamaged for future generations. –Steven A.

Can we not stop to think about the other creatures we cohabitate with on this earth? Profit is all we people ever think about but what about the future? Does it not sadden you to think “I can be the cause of harm and extinction”? –Cheyene G.

I believe this project will destroy the natural habitat along the San Pedro River Valley. –Mack S.