Arizona Republicans want to ban public spending on climate action under a sweeping proposal that targets mass transit and pollution data collection — as well as any attempts to replace meat with bugs, limit clothing ownership or promote “Marxist ideologies.”
The state’s Republican-controlled House and Senate have passed various forms of the legislation, including a version that would bypass Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and go directly on the November ballot.
All versions of the bill would bar any public entity — from the state to cities to universities — from advocating, planning or joining an association that promotes a sprawling list of policies. Any registered voter in the state would be able to sue a public entity to enforce it.
The legislation would prohibit spending public money to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; develop a climate plan; collect data on emissions; or seek to displace car travel with biking, walking or mass transit.
