SPEAK OUT – IT’S NOW OR NEVER!
A decision has been made to allow APS to build 2.5 miles of above-ground, high-voltage power line on 65-foot tall steel poles adjacent to the Village. Sedona is only 3 miles downwind. Residents completely oppose this above-ground line.
Our elected officials (listed below) need to meet with APS and tell them to put this power line UNDERGROUND. APS can still choose to build underground for the community’s safety.
Email and call your elected officials immediately:
- Ask them to meet with APS decision makers and insist that this segment of power line be built underground for the safety of the Village and Sedona.
- Tell them that this project will create a new increase in our wildfire risk if built above ground. This is unacceptable--we’re already at very high risk.
- Let them know that APS can afford the $15.7 million it claims it will cost to bury the line. The company had revenues of $5.1 billion last year.
- They need to tell APS: It cannot start building an above ground line because that would violate a new state law, HB2201. The law requires APS to submit a wildfire mitigation plan to the AZ State Forester. The plan must address conditions and risk of our area, be reviewed and commented on by Yavapai County and Sedona City elected officials, and the public, and be approved by the AZ State Forester. This process will take many months. APS currently has a mitigation plan that does NOT comply with HB2201.
- Elected officials can impress upon APS that there is a huge advantage to building underground: Since an underground line does not increase wildfire risk, APS can start construction immediately. The company will not have to wait many months for state approval of a new wildfire mitigation plan.
Where to send your emails or call:
- U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, 202-224-2235 (D.C.) (Coral Evans, Northern AZ Director, specializes in energy and water)
Senator Kelly Contact form - U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, 202-224-4521 (D.C.) Contact form
- Rep. Selina Bliss, District 1, AZ State House (Voted for HB2201), 602-926-4018 sbliss@azleg.gov
- Supervisor Nikki Check, Yavapai County District 3, 928-639-8110 district3@yavapaiaz.gov
- If you live in Sedona, contact your City Council members and Mayor: https://www.sedonaaz.gov/your-government/departments/city-clerk/council-commissions-committees-boards/city-council
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unfortunately it appears Supervisor Check is not onboard. While she claims to support the VOC community, she believes that it’s okay to put this segment of power line above ground. Tell her to represent us, not APS!