Sign this petition to endorse public comments submitted to the US Air Force, on the 492nd Special Operations Wing Beddown DEIS

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Two US Air Force proposals threaten to erode the future of outdoor life, research, and recreation in southern Arizona and New Mexico.

In 2022, the Air Force proposed to intensify air combat training (SUA Optimization) over vast protected lands of the Southwest. The process for this plan advanced nearly three years without legitimate analysis, transparency, or public engagement. A final decision is pending.

Spring, 2024, a second proposal was announced: plans to transform Tucson’s Davis-Monthan airbase into the third US Air Force Special Operations hub (SOW Beddown). Tactical developments with profound dangers to public safety would be supported by the devastating airspace permissions awaiting action - and accelerate a foreign policy trajectory the majority of Americans polled reject.

August to November, 2024, a rising movement of concerned elected officials, Tribal Councils, counties, towns, organizations, community groups, businesses, and individuals sent thousands of comments to the Air Force regarding the unacceptability of their report (DEIS) on the proposed changes to rules for regional air combat training.

December, 2024, twenty-seven signatories - including artists, educators, journalists, owners of beloved local businesses, professionals of law and medicine; founders, board members, and coordinators of regional organizations focused on sustainability, conservation, and peace - submitted public comments regarding the less conspicuous Air Force report (DEIS) on SOW Beddown, which ignores grave public risk.

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We are grateful for military service in defense of liberty. Yet, the proposals to restructure Davis-Monthan and southwest regional airspace demonstrate a culture of complacency and mismanagement that is undemocratic. To renounce dereliction at the highest levels of leadership is to defend honorable service.

Should we forsake regional safety, heritage, and critical ecology to accelerate Irregular Warfare the majority of Americans reject?

Davis-Monthan is being transformed into one of only three Air Force bases in the United States for this function, without democratic transparency.

We urge individuals and organizations to continue fostering awareness and legal action surrounding these proposals - to safeguard the future for Tucson, rural communities, protected tribal and public lands, countryside internationally revered in scientific research, and an entire region of unparalleled ecology.

When facing the proposals’ passage (anticipated 2025), let us reconvene with enough leverage to demand elected officials represent their constituents’ voices.

The health and safety of home must come before the aims of arms-tech investors and weaponry buyers.

Please join and share this petition - Your consciousness and action are meaningful and appreciated

@peacefulskybenefit