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The Western Way (TWW), an organization led by conservative leaders, is working to drive free-market conservation policies in western states, with its newest chapter in Arizona.

With ninety-two percent of federal land located within 12 western states, TWW believes western states will benefit most from conservative free market solutions to environmental challenges facing their areas.

Recently, the organization created an Arizona chapter, naming Jaime Molera as the State Director. Members of the advisory committee include Representative Rusty Bowers, Representative T.J. Shope, Senator Karen Fann, State Land Commissioner Lisa Atkins, President and CEO of Valley Partnership Cheryl Lombard, and Chief Public Affairs Executive and Associate General Manager of Salt River Project Peter Hayes.

鈥淭he Western Way, an organization committed to sensible conservative solutions to address environmental issues, is thrilled to have these Arizona leaders to be a part of our effort,鈥� commented Molera. 鈥淏eing able to address environmental concerns specific to Arizona with experts such as these will give us a strong perspective going forward.鈥�

These issues are also important to Arizonans. According to a study conducted by TWW, shifts to environmentally friendly policy have been met with approval by western conservatives. In Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, 94 percent of conservatives want elected officials to pursue energy efficient policies.

鈥淭o work with an organization that seems truly grounded in real solutions to western issues has been really fun to do,鈥� said TWW member Representative Shope. 鈥淲estern issues are very near and dear to my heart.”

Although TWW supports pursuing energy efficient policies, the organization recognizes that Proposition 127, the initiative backed by California billionaire Tom Steyer to mandate renewable energy standards, is wrong for Arizona. The group recently released the following statement:

鈥淧roposition 127 attempts to amend the Arizona Constitution with an energy policy that does not consider our state鈥檚 unique landscape or environment. We need sensible policies tailored specifically for Arizona鈥檚 needs such as Corporation Commissioner Andy Tobin鈥檚 comprehensive Energy Modernization Plan. 聽Energy policies should accommodate Arizona residents so that they will not see a drastic increase in their energy bills. The Initiative鈥檚 requirement to eliminate emissions free nuclear energy will result in the closure of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, eliminating quality jobs for thousands of Arizona families, and have a devastating economic impact on our entire state. 聽Because this extreme Initiative does not support Arizona鈥檚 environment, or Arizona鈥檚 citizens, The Western Way cannot support Prop 127.鈥�