Grijalva Announces $27 Million for Low-Carbon Construction in Arizona

Rep. Raul Grijalva

On Thursday, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a $27 million grant for Arizona toward construction projects using low-carbon materials, a grant praised by Representative Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), who called it "essential for reducing pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change."

More specifically, the DOT's Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants Program funds building projects while reducing pollution by reducing the levels of embodied greenhouse gas emissions, including concrete (and cement), glass, asphalt mix, and steel.

The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) provided additional details, noting that the program applies to the construction of federally aided highways and federal or tribal transportation facilities.

"I applaud the Biden Administration for this critical investment to make construction materials cleaner for projects in the state of Arizona. Funding like this is essential for reducing pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change. As the top Democrat on the Natural Resources Committee, I will continue to advocate for programs like these that modernize our nation’s infrastructure in a safe and sustainable manner," said Rep. Grijalva in his press release.

Arizona's natural environment has been a bipartisan concern for its congressional delegation. Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced legislation in late October codifying the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (OMDP) division of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) so that abandoned mines throughout the American West, including over 500 in Arizona alone, are properly cleaned up and closed.

"As we work to support domestic mining of critical minerals, it's crucial that we remain committed to doing so responsibly. The consequences of poor stewardship are detrimental for the health and safety of those living in rural Arizona—particularly those on the Navajo Nation. I'm proud to introduce this piece of legislation that would help ensure reasonable and timely cleanup and increased Congressional oversight of the process," said Rep. Crane.

In late June, Rep. Grijalva announced the construction of a new commercial port of entry in Douglas, saying, "It will help improve connections, boost trade, strengthen ties between our nations and communities, and ensure the City of Douglas can thrive. I'm proud to have backed this legislation to fund this critical project and will keep supporting investments to ensure progress and prosperity for the border communities I represent."

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.