Living Desert Alliance
Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving
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Charging Ahead in 2026!
Hello members and community partners.
We are back from our year-end break and ready to … CHARGE FORWARD… with our mission to
Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving.
Our commitment is stronger than ever as we promote:
- Thoughtful growth
- The protection of community interests, and
- A safe and reliable water supply for all Pima County residents.
Exciting steps to extend our community impact are in the works, so be on the lookout for important updates and ways to become involved.
Together we will make a positive difference
Wishing everyone a happy and successful new year.
The Living Desert Alliance Board of Directors
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Marana Town Council Approves Data Center Rezoning
Last night, the Marana Town Council unanimously approved rezoning roughly 600 acres for a proposed data center complex despite significant public opposition.
More than 50 residents spoke in the packed council chambers during a four‑hour hearing, with many warning that the project lacks firm guarantees from Beale Infrastructure, Tucson Electric Power, or Trico regarding environmental impacts, water and energy demands, and potential cost burdens on ratepayers.
Residents questioned loopholes in Marana’s 2024 data center ordinance and argued that Beale has not provided binding assurances that the project will not strain local resources or shift infrastructure expenses onto the public. Concerns focused on water use, massive electrical demand, air quality, and the proximity to sensitive areas such as the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.
Supporters—largely construction workers—emphasized projected job creation, including 4,200 construction jobs and 400 permanent positions. Beale stated the centers would use air‑cooling systems and that they intend to pay for required electrical upgrades, but no enforceable commitments were presented. Each site is expected to require 550–750 megawatts of power at full build‑out, raising fears of long‑term environmental and financial impacts on the community.
Despite unresolved questions, the council approved both rezoning applications in a disappointing six and zero vote.
Click here to view the council meeting. Forward to 404.00 hear council comments. Forward to 422.00 to hear the vote.
LDA will continue to monitor this issue and keep our members informed. A zoning approval is not a permit approval. The fight does not stop here!
Photo: KGUN News
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Two New Climate Plans Set Course for Healthier, Safer Pima County
Pima County has released two major plans aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and strengthening community resilience. The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP), developed with regional partners including the City of Tucson, Oro Valley, South Tucson, and the Tohono O’odham Nation, (mmm, where is Marana???) outlines a shared strategy to reduce harmful pollutants and prepare for a hotter, drier future.
Building on this regional framework, the County’s Climate Action Plan for County Operations (CAPCO) 2025–2030 details how County departments will meet these goals internally. Approved by the Board of Supervisors in December, CAPCO commits the County to reducing operational emissions 60% below 2021 levels by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050. The plan expands long‑standing sustainability efforts with new actions focused on extreme heat, wildfire risk, water conservation, and restoring natural landscapes.
Key strategies include upgrading facilities for energy efficiency, electrifying vehicle fleets, reducing landfill waste, expanding recycling, planting 10,000 new trees, and improving drought‑resilient water practices. A new public website, PimaCAN! Climate Action Now, will help residents track progress and get involved.
Cheers to Pima County for their on-going efforts to protect public health, support economic stability, and preserving the desert environment for future generations.
Click here to review the entire Bulletin.
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U of A
Secures Grant to Combat Hazardous
Mining Dust
Tucson.com reports that the University of Arizona has received a five-year federal grant of $14.8 million to help understand and mitigate health threats of dust from mine tailings and associated hazardous fungal spores, specifically within mining communities. With this grant, the University has launched two important research projects.
The first project, led by Dr. Jon Chorover, professor and head of the Department of Environmental Science, examines how mine‑tailing dust behaves once it becomes airborne.
A second project, led by environmental scientist Dr. Raina Maier, focuses on bringing life back to highly acidic mine‑tailing areas.
Together, these projects highlight how targeted research can transform degraded lands into healthier, more resilient ecosystems—benefiting both the environment and the communities that call the desert home.
Click here to review full article
Photo: Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star 2023
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Protect Our Pipes
21st Annual Grease Collection Event!
Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026
Pouring grease, oil or fats down the drain can cause clogged pipes, attract hungry pests, and lead to avoidable plumbing problems. Don't let that happen! Instead, store your used grease in an airtight container and drop it off at the Pima County annual grease collection event.
They will be out collecting grease from the public at six locations around Pima County on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here for location sites.
This annual event is a partnership between Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, Grecycle, Jacobs Engineering, Pima Community College, and the Town of Sahuarita.
If you can't make it to the annual Grease Collection and Recycling Event, don't worry! You can always recycle your grease at the year-round location at Agua Nueva WRF / Jacobs 2947 W. Calle Agua Nueva
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WMG's River Run Network Clean Up: Swan Park
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Help the Watershed Management Group beautify our rivers by picking up trash. They are focusing on areas along our creeks where trash has collected—and they need your help to clean it up and protect our waterways.
For this event, they are partnering with Grow Tucson and are focusing on trash pickup and beautification efforts to make this vital community space cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable.
Every bag of trash removed makes a difference — let’s work together with the WMG to keep our rivers beautiful!
Click here to learn more and register.
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Environmental Day at the
Arizona Capitol
Wed, Feb 11th
8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter invites you to join them along with the Living Desert Alliance and numerous environmental groups for their annual Environmental Day at the Arizona Capitol.
This year's theme is "People Power for the Planet!"
Meet with your legislators, hear great speakers, and connect with others who are doing advocacy work both inside and outside the Arizona.
RSVP here so they can plan materials, and, if interested, put you on a team for legislative meetings, and can plan for food.
Also, the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection will be organizing a bus from Tucson to Phoenix. So please RSVP to save a seat.
Make sure to stop by the Living Desert Alliance table for a visit.
We’d love to meet you!
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Marana 2026
Hiking Challenge
Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Marana’s 14th Edition MOVE Across 2 Ranges Hiking Challenge is set for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
As their website states, “This event is an awesome way to explore nature and get active. Hit the trails and experience the challenge and beauty of Southern Arizona's Tortolita and Catalina Mountains in one day! Trail run, hike, or stroll through this fun event. Join us for another year of fun and adventure.”
Starting at the Wild Burro Trailhead - 14810 N. Secret Spring Road, (trailhead located inside the Ritz-Carlton gate) attendees can register for different participation levels ranging from Mighty to Major to Mega to Massive, depending on skill levels and experience.
Register now to reserve a space for this exciting Sonoran Desert event.
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