The Arizona Environmental Strategic Alliance is a unique public-private partnership which demonstrates environmental leadership to Arizona communities and businesses. The Alliance recognizes leadership characteristics, shares expertise, builds public trust, and works in partnership for positive environmental change. As its cornerstone, the Alliance believes that organizations exhibit environmental leadership by achieving environmental performance beyond regulations. Learn more at "About the Alliance".

ALLIANCE NEWS

Alliance 2013 Biennial Air Quality Luncheon

Approximately 50 attendees participated in an active discussion of PM air quality issues of concern to both regulated businesses and residents at the March 28th Air Quality Luncheon featuring speakers Bill Wiley, Director, Maricopa County Air Quality Department and Don Gabrielson, Director, Pinal County Air Quality Department. The event included a buffet luncheon, and was hosted by the Alliance at the Grace Inn in Ahwatukee. A Q&A session was led by Alliance Advisory Councilor Dr. Nick Hild. Matt Conway, PING, Alliance Chair, opened the event, and welcomed attendees and introduced the feature speakers. 

Above:  Attendees listening to Don Gabrielson, Director, Pinal County AQ Dept,  at the 2013 Alliance Biennial Air Quality Luncheon. Seated at speaker table is Bill Wiley, Director, Maricopa County AQ Dept. 

Alliance Shares Practical Applications of EMS, "Pillars of Sustainability," at Gatekeeper Regulatory Roundup 2013

Alliance member Greg Bopp, Honeywell Aerospace, spoke on April 2nd to morning break-out session attendees of the 2013 Gatekeeper Regulatory Roundup on Practical Applications of EMS, "Pillars of Sustainability". Member presentations at Arizona environmental events such as the Gatekeeper Regulatory Roundup support the Alliance goals of providing education, environmental leadership, and mentoring of other regulated businesses.  

Above, Left: GRR Luncheon April 2nd. Right: Greg Bopp, Honeywell Aerospace, speaks to break-out session attendees. 

Alliance Environmental Technical Tour of Central Arizona Project (CAP)

Alliance members and guests met for a tour of Central Arizona Project and the CAP Control Center on February 27th. Our host, Larry Person, CAP, discussed Arizona water resources and touched on a number of critical energy and resource issues of concern to Arizona businesses and residents. Our appreciation to CAP and Larry for this educational opportunity.

Above, Left: GRR Luncheon April 2nd. Right: 

Photo:  Alliance Members and Guests at CAP Control Center February 27th, 2013. 

Alliance Environmental Technical Tour at:  ASU Tempe Campus

Alliance members and guests visited the ASU Tempe Campus on November 27th for a presentation by ASU Sustainability Director Dr. Nick Brown, gaining new knowledge of metrics for sustainability indicators and infrastructure design. Following the presentation members toured the ASU Co-Gen Power Plan. Our appreciation to our ASU Tour hosts:  Dr. Nick Brown, Betty Lombardo, and Al Brown!

[Alliance Environmental Technical Tours provide an opportunity for both Alliance members and guests to share experiences, technical expertise, and mentor organizations that may be tasked with similar environmental challenges. The tours support the Alliance goals to protect and enhance Arizona's environment.] 

Alliance Member Panel Presents at "Arizona Recycles: Making a World of Difference" Conference

On November 15th Alliance members, including Matt Conway, PING; Greg Bopp, Honeywell Aerospace; Mitch Klein, Polsinelli Shughart; and Rep. Amanda Reeve, Arizona State House of Representatives, gave a presentation on "Practical Steps for Making Your Business Environmentally Sound". Panel members discussed Alliance mentorship and showed attendees how they can go above and beyond regulatory compliance. The conference was sponsored by Keep Arizona Beautiful and the Arizona Recycling Coalition. 

ABOVE:  Matt Conway, PING, Alliance Chair, Speaking a the "Arizona Recycles: Making a World of Difference" Conference. Visible at speakers table:  Rep. Amanda Reeve, and Mitch Klein, Polsinelli Shughart. Not in photo:  Greg Bopp, Honeywell Aerospace. 

Award of Appreciation Presented to Len Drago, Intel

On July 26th, 2012, Dan Casiraro, Alliance Chair, presented an Award of Appreciation to Len Drago, long-time representative to the Alliance for Intel Corp. Len continues with Intel but he is moving on to new responsibilities and will no longer serve on the Alliance board. Len has served as Past Alliance Chair, and Board Member, and has contributed greatly to our organization and to Arizona's environment over the years -- Best of Luck to you Len! 

ABOVE:  Dan Casiraro, SRP, at left, and Len Drago, Intel, at right. 

Alliance Welcomes Honeywell Aerospace

The Alliance was pleased to welcome Honeywell Aerospace as our newest Member at the May 24th, 2012 Alliance Meeting. Dan Casiraro, Alliance Chair, officially presented the Certificate of Membership to Greg Bopp, and Scott Harczynski, Honeywell Aerospace! As required of all new members, Honeywell Aerospace met Alliance membership standards by successfully passing a rigorous review of the organization's environmental leadership characteristics, regulatory compliance history, and adherence to the Alliance Environmental Principles. 

Alliance Members and Advisory Councilors also personally welcomed Greg and Scott, and commented on the impressive application it submitted and the site visit of Honeywell Aerospace during the membership review process. Alliance Members look forward to working with Greg and Scott and Honeywell Aerospace in the upcoming years!

ABOVE, Left to Right:  Scott Haczynski, Honeywell Aerospace; Dan Casiraro, Alliance Chair, SRP; Greg Bopp, Honeywell Aerospace

Alliance Environmental Technical Tour at:  PING, Inc.

On May 3rd, 2012, Alliance Members, Advisory Councilors, and guests heard a presentation by Matt Conway, PING, about the organization's Environmental Management System, followed by a site tour, topped off by a visit to the exclusive Gold Room!

[Alliance Environmental Technical Tours provide an opportunity for both Alliance members and guests to share experiences, technical expertise, and mentor organizations that may be tasked with similar environmental challenges. The tours support the Alliance goals to protect and enhance Arizona's environment.] 

Alliance Members and Advisory Councilors view the PING Gold Room. Left to right:  Dr. Nick Hild, Dan Casiraro, Matt Conway, Beverly Westgaard, Kale Walch, Rob Barnett, Mitch Klein, and Hal Berkowitz. 

Alliance Hosts Business Leadership and Sustainability Legislative Forum Luncheon

On November 29th, 2011, the Alliance hosted a Legislative Forum Luncheon at the University Club of Phoenix for members of the Arizona State Legislature, representatives from regulatory agencies including ADEQ, Maricopa County Air Quality Department, and the Pinal County Air Quality Department, and Alliance Members representing a number of Arizona organizations including Arlington Valley Energy LLC, APS, PING, SRP, and Salem Boy's Auto, and Alliance Advisory Councilors. 

The discussion focus was on Business Leadership and Sustainability in Arizona. Dan Casiraro, Alliance Chair, welcomed the attendees and discussed the purpose of the Alliance and its goal of promoting environmental leadership. Ed Fox, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, APS, presented a high-level overview of environmental sustainability with his presentation, "Sustainability - What does it mean to Arizona?"; Matt Conway, PING, presented sustainability challenges and achievements for PING, a larger business; and Mark Salem, Salem Boy's Auto, presented sustainability challenges and achievements for Salem Boy's Auto, a smaller business. 

Following the presentations, Rep Amanda Reeve, Chair of the Environment Committee, and our other guests from the Arizona State Legislature including Rep. Heather Carter, Rep. Brenda Barton, Rep. Kate Brophy McGee, and Rep. Frank Pratt, discussed sustainability issues from the legislative point of view and commented on the earlier presentations. 

For more information on this and future luncheons, contact the Alliance at 480-422-7392. 

Alliance Welcomes New Member

The Alliance was pleased to welcome Arlington Valley Power, LLC, as our newest Member at the October Alliance Meeting. Accepting the Membership Certificate for Arlington Valley Energy was Greg Heard (see photo). Arlington met Alliance membership standards by successfully passing a rigorous review of the organization's environmental leadership characteristics, regulatory compliance history, and adherence to the Alliance Environmental Principles. We look forward to working together with Greg and Arlington Valley Energy! 

ABOVE:  Left to right:

Dan Casiraro, SRP, Alliance Chair; Greg Heard, Arlington Valley Power LLC

Alliance Panel Presents "Sustainability Issues Being Pursued by ADEQ and the State Legislature" at SAEMS P2 Seminar

An Alliance Speakers' Panel, with Advisory Council members Rep. Amanda Reeve (AZ House of Representatives), Ian Bingham (ADEQ), and led by Dr. Nick Hild (ASU) spoke recently at the September 28th SAEMS P2 seminar on the topic of "Sustainability Issues Being Pursued by ADEQ and the State Legislature". 

ABOVE:  Left to right:

Rep. Amanda Reeve, Arizona State House; Ian Bingham, ADEQ; Dr. Nick Hild, ASU

Alliance holds Air Quality Luncheon

ABOVE:  Left to right:

Don Gabrielson, Air Quality Director, Pinal County

Bill Wiley, Air Quality Director, Maricopa County

Ed Fox, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, APS

The Alliance hosted an Air Quality Luncheon on January 25, 2011, at the Grace Inn in Ahwatukee, Phoenix. Over 70 guests and members from business and industry across Pinal and Maricopa counties joined us for an opportunity to share lunch with the Directors of both Pinal County and Maricopa County Air Quality Departments. The Directors spoke on air quality issues of concern to business -- PM10 and PM2.5 Noncainment. Speakers were:

William Wiley

Director, Maricopa County Air Quality Department

Don Gabrielson

Director, Pinal County Air Quality Department

Discussion Moderator:

Ed Fox

Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Arizona Public Service

PDF Copies of the speaker presentations can be viewed here. Click on the image to open link. These are large files and may take a minute to download.

To view a video summary of the Air Quality Luncheon along with a few brief video clips, visit www.environmentalmanagement.tv  or go directly to the AQ Luncheon video link here:

Alliance Members Present Before the Arizona Senate Committee on Natural Resources Infrastructure and Public Debt

On April 4th of this year Alliance Members, including representatives of PING, the City of Scottsdale, Intel, and Kitchell, had an opportunity to present information on the Alliance and on our member's past year achievements as environmental leaders to the Arizona Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Public Debt. Matt Conway presented information on the Alliance, Tim Conner presented information on the City of Scottsdale, Jason Bagley presented information on Intel, Cameron Flower presented information on Kitchell, and Hal Berkowitz offered Alliance appreciation to the Senate Committee and in particular to Sen. Amanda Aguirre, Member of the Alliance Advisory Council, for the opportunity to speak before the Senate, and for Sen. Aguirre's environmental dedication over the years. 

View the entire presentation with online video by clicking on the microphone image above, or clicking HERE.

Alliance Completes the 2010 "Green Arizona" Educational YouTube Video Competition 

The Alliance recently completed the 2010 "Green Arizona" Educational YouTube video competition. The competition was designed to encourage problem solving and creative thinking about environmental issues, especially among youth, through a fun but also educational project. Prizes were awarded to the winners in two categories, both Youth and Adult (18 and over). Top prize in each category:  $1000. Second prize: an I-Pod Touch, and 2 Honorable Mentions in each category for $50.  Thanks to the International Paper Foundation (see article below), we received a grant of $2500 to help sponsor these prizes and help support this educational program! View the winning entries HERE!

Click on the above "Green Arizona" logo to visit our 2010 YouTube Video Competition Webpage and view Winning Videos!

International Paper Foundation Awards Alliance $2500 to help support ReUseAZ "Green Arizona" Youtube Educational Video Contest

ABOVE:  Left to right:  Paige Brinkley, International Paper Recycling; Kim Furphy, Kitchell, ReUseAZ Youtube Committee Chair; Julie Finke, ADEQ, ReUseAZ Youtube Committee Member.

On December 16, 2009, Paige Brinkley, Account Manager, International Paper Recycling Division presented a check for $2500 to the Alliance to help support the Alliance ReUseAZ Youtube Environmental Educational Contest. The funds will be used to support the ReUseAZ contest prizes. Receiving the check (above, center) is Kim Furphy, Kitchell, Alliance ReUseAZ Youtube Committee Chair. Also receiving the check (above, right) is Julie Finke, ADEQ, Committee Member. The International Paper Foundation focuses its community support on environmental education and literacy. The Alliance expresses our appreciation to the Foundation.  

The ReUseAZ "Green Arizona" Youtube contest is scheduled for launch in January, 2010. Check back soon for information on this exciting video contest with great prizes!

EMS Mentoring Committee Presents at SAEMS Sustainability Seminar

ABOVE:  Alliance EMS Mentoring Committee Members at the SAEMS Sustainability Seminar, left to right:  Kim Furphy, Kitchell; Ian Bingham, ADEQ; Larry Person, City of Scottsdale, and EMS Committee Chair, Matt Conway, PING. Not present: Len Drago, Intel. 

The Alliance EMS Mentoring Committee presented "Sustainable EMS" at the "SAEMS Sustainability Seminar" in Tucson, on September 30, 2009. The EMS Mentoring Committee shares the EMS experience and expertise of our members with other organizations working to implement or improve their EMS. The presentations provide real-life implementation examples, including challenges and benefits of implementing EMS, and discuss opportunities for assistance, including financial assistance, to organizations implementing EMS. For information or to schedule a presentation at your event, contact the Alliance at 480-422-7392. 

Alliance Participates as a Partner on the Steering Committee of the Maricopa County First Annual Air Quality Conference, held October, 2009 

ABOVE:  "Future Sustainability" panel members, left to right:  Scott Davis, Director of Environmental, Health & Safety, APS (Alliance Member); Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Todd Brady, Global Environmental Manager, Intel (Alliance Member); and Bill Shaefer, Executive Director, Valley of the Sun Clean Cities Coalition. 

The Alliance Air Quality Committee and Alliance members participated this year as partners on the conference Steering Committee. Additionally, Alliance Member Scott Davis (photo, far left) of APS, coordinated the selection and recruitment of panel members for one of the several conference panel discussions. The presentation was titled, "Future Sustainability". Additionally, two Alliance Member organizations (APS, Intel) participated as panel members. See photo above. 

Alliance members also participated in the review of applications and the selection of winners for the Blue Sky Air Quality Excellence Awards.

Information on the Air Quality Conference can be found at this Maricopa County link:

EPA, ADEQ, and Maricopa County Air Quality Department Sign Memorandum of Agreement on Arizona Performance Track 

ABOVE:  Left to right:  Steve Owens, Director, ADEQ; Wayne Nastri, US EPA Region 9 Administrator; Lawrence Odle, Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director. Photo courtesy of ADEQ. 

Wayne Nastri, U.S. EPA Region 9 Administrator, Steve Owens, ADEQ Director, and Lawrence Odle, Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Arizona Environmental Performance Track on December 11, 2008, the 14th MOA to be signed by EPA and state environmental regulatory agencies.  

The signing of this agreement recognizes the importance of the Arizona Environmental Performance Track Program and of its value in promoting environmental leadership. 

Three Alliance Members Recognized

The Alliance played an active role together with ADEQ in the formation of the Arizona Environmental Performance Track Program. Three Alliance members, including the City of Scottsdale, Ping, and Intel, were among the first five members of Arizona Performance Track. Performance Track is designed to recognize and reward businesses that are good environmental stewards, and who go above and beyond the minimum requirements of environmental laws and regulations. The Arizona program is based on EPA's National Environmental Performance Track, which started in June 2000 and now includes more than 350 companies in 46 states and Puerto Rico. 

For information on Performance Track visit http://www.azdeq.gov/function/about/track.html.

Following the MOA signing and the recognition ceremonies, the Alliance hosted a luncheon for the EPA and ADEQ Performance Track Team, Performance Track members, and guests. 

Ceremony Photos: 

US EPA & ADEQ Environmental Performance Track Staff:  Left to right:  Steve Owens, Director; Henry Darwin, ADEQ Administrative Counsel; Fran Schultz, Deputy Director Communities and Ecosystems Division, US EPA Region 9; Ian Bingham, ADEQ AZ Performance Track Program Administrator; Nina Kondos, ADEQ AZ Performance Track Support; Wayne Nastri, US EPA Region 9 Administrator; Charles Kent, US EPA Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation; and Lawrence Odle, Maricopa Country Air Quality Department Director. Photo courtesy of ADEQ. 

Alliance Members Recognized Include the City of Scottsdale, Intel, and Ping:

Recognition of City of Scottsdale. Left to right:  Lawrence Odle, Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director; Steve Owens, Director, ADEQ; Larry Person, City of Scottsdale Senior Environmental Coordinator; Wayne Nastri, US EPA Region 9 Administrator; Charles Kent, US EPA Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation. Photo courtesy of ADEQ. 

Recognition of Intel. Left to right:  Lawrence Odle, Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director; Steve Owens, Director, ADEQ; Jim Larsen, Intel Environmental Health Specialist; Sean Aldridge, Intel Environmental Engineer; Len Drago, Intel Arizona EHS Strategic Program Manager; Wayne Nastri, US EPA Region 9 Administrator; Charles Kent, US EPA Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation. Photo courtesy of ADEQ. 

Recognition of Ping.  Left to right:  Lawrence Odle, Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director; Steve Owens, Director, ADEQ; Rob Barnett, Ping Director of Environmental Systems; Matt Conway, Ping Senior Environmental Engineer; Wayne Nastri, US EPA Region 9 Administrator; Charles Kent, US EPA Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation. Photo courtesy of ADEQ. 

Also recognized were Xanterra South Rim (not shown), Mormon Lake Lodge, and Freescale Chandler and Freescale Tempe:

Recognition of Mormon Lake Lodge.  Left to right:  Steve Owens, Director, ADEQ; Andrew Moore, Mormon Lake Lodge Food and Beverage Operations Manager; Wayne Nastri, US EPA Region 9 Administrator; Charles Kent, US EPA Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation. Photo courtesy of ADEQ. 

Recognition of Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. Chandler and Tempe Facilities.  Left to right:  Lawrence Odle, Maricopa County Air Quality Department Director; Steve Owens, Director, ADEQ; Hsi-An Kwong, P.E., Freescale Semiconductor EHS Department; Hana De Leon Dostalova, Freescale Semiconductor EHS Engineer;  Wayne Nastri, US EPA Region 9 Administrator; Charles Kent, US EPA Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation. Photo courtesy of ADEQ. 

Member Annual Report Luncheon - October 2008

Alliance Members including APS, Intel, Ping, and the City of Scottsdale presented highlights from their 2007 member annual reports - "Presenting Your Environmental Management Credentials, The Road to Excellence" at the Annual Report Luncheon held at APS on October 29, 2008.

The luncheon was a great opportunity for members and guests to learn about programs and practices employed by these environmental leaders in our community and to participate in lively discussion and exchange of ideas. 

PDF copies of these presentations, and a copy of the Alliance introductory presentation, are available below for download. If you have any questions, contact either the presenter or the Alliance at 480-422-7392. 

Alliance PP	PING PP	APS PP
City of Scottsdale		Press Release

New Membership Application Forms & Information Sheet

The Alliance created a one-page Membership Criteria Summary and revised its Membership Application Form in July 2008. You can find these and other documents by following the link above, "Find an Alliance Document", or clicking on the links above. Please use only the most recent application revision when applying for membership.

Senate Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee Presentation

Performance Track Program

Power Point Presentations from the April 3, 2007 Performance Track / EMS Seminar are available as PDF files. To download individual presentations, click on the desired speaker's name:

Jim Larsen/INTEL;   Larry Person/City of Scottsdale;   Henry Darwin/ADEQ;  Hal Berkowitz/ASU;   J. Andy Soesilo/ADEQ;   Frances Shultz/US EPA 9;   Rob Barnett/PING

Arizona's Performance Track program was shaped with input from the Arizona Environmental Strategic Alliance, which includes several of Arizona's major corporations and other members of the regulated community. 

For more information about Performance Track go to the ADEQ website and visit the PERFORMANCE TRACK page.

ALLIANCE MEMBERS

ARLINGTON VALLEY ENERGY LLC

ALLIANCE PARTNERS