Orlando Cazarez

Submitted photo

Want to get involved?

Arizona Sustainability Alliance is looking for volunteers for two events in December:

• Tree-planting: 7:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 | Larry C. Kennedy Elementary School, 2702 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix

• Adopt-a-Park: 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14 | Rio Salado Habitat Restoration, 3131 S. Central Ave., Phoenix

Register at https://www.azsustainabilityalliance.com/events

As a veteran, I stand firm in the face of challenges, protecting what matters most. Today, the fight to cut climate pollution demands the same resolve.

Clean energy investments create jobs, improve public health and build a stronger, more sustainable Arizona — but these gains are not guaranteed. To ensure these benefits continue to reach the people who need them the most, we must defend the progress made under the Inflation Reduction Act and other clean energy initiatives.

Clean energy: A mission for veterans and communities  

I often find myself drawing on the skills I developed in the Army. But transitioning to civilian life isn’t easy; it means seeking a new purpose. Clean energy offers that mission, providing meaningful careers that contribute to a brighter future. Arizona’s growing renewable energy sector is creating jobs for veterans, rural workers, and underserved communities. 

Since 2001, renewable energy projects have brought $9.4 billion to Arizona’s economy, created nearly 18,000 jobs, and generated over $1 billion in wages. These investments are transforming rural and urban communities, providing opportunities that strengthen families and build resilience across the state.

Inflation Reduction Act funding has been transformative and a game-changer for the Arizona Sustainability Alliance, enabling us to expand impactful programs like our Tree Stewards community cohort model. Through this program, we educate residents about stewardship, fostering a deeper sense of ownership, appreciation and responsibility for the green spaces in our neighborhoods.

Thanks to the IRA, we’re seeing a ripple effect of care and community pride. It’s heartening to witness how federal support is transforming our local community, fostering a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship.

Our mission is clear: to plant more trees in underserved areas, the neighborhoods that need them most — areas in the Valley where sparse tree canopies cause dangerously higher summer temperatures. These efforts combat extreme heat, lower energy bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels during Arizona’s scorching summers.

Some of these communities face double-digit temperature differences compared to areas with more tree cover, putting Arizonans at a severe disadvantage during extreme heat waves.

Fighting for healthier air for our children

Climate pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color and low income, where proximity to highways and power plants increases asthma and respiratory illnesses. For children, the stakes are especially high. For me, this work is deeply personal. As a dad, I know my children are growing up in a community that’s better off thanks to IRA funding.

My friend, Ylenia Aguilar with Moms Clean Air Force, underscores this urgency: “Clean energy investments are a lifeline for families, reducing emissions and protecting our children’s health. Mothers like me see the effects of pollution every day.” 

Arizona voters overwhelmingly support these investments. A recent poll by the American Lung Association found that over 80% of voters support greater energy efficiency, and 79% want more solar power. Clean energy isn’t just an environmental solution — it’s a public health imperative. 

A call to hold the line

At the Arizona Sustainability Alliance, we see firsthand how renewable energy creates opportunities across the state. We empower communities to lead sustainable lives through our work in clean energy, urban forestry, sustainable food systems, and conservation. Our programs focus on education and workforce development, preparing the next generation to inherit a cleaner, healthier Arizona. 

By the end of 2024, AZSA will have planted nearly 1,000 trees, all thanks to dedicated volunteers, many of whom are veterans continuing their service in new ways. We can create lasting change with the right support, planting one tree at a time. But the progress we’ve made is under threat. Now is the time to hold the line, defending critical infrastructure investments that reduce climate pollution and strengthen our communities. 

Editor’s note: Orlando Cazarez is a U.S. Army veteran and the chief executive officer of the Arizona Sustainability Alliance, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that empowers Arizonans through sustainable action and advocacy. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.