The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) has been awarded $15 million from the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grants Program. This funding is part of the $521 million in awards to continue the build out of electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. 

Phoenix has set a new record for the most nights with low temperatures in the 90's in a year. As of 8/20, 36 nights this summer have stayed above 90 degrees, with more likely on the way. Public Health is continuing to track heat-related deaths and illnesses on a public dashboard. Stats for the week ending 8/17 show 114 confirmed heat-related deaths and 465 cases under investigation. The heat dashboard updates on Tuesdays. 

Although September is upon us, triple-digit temperatures will still be sticking around, so do your best to stay cool indoors with A/C on, drink plenty of water, check on others at risk, and watch for signs of heat illness. You can find resources, including cooling center locations, at maricopa.gov/heat or by calling 211. 

I have great news to share about our Libraries! The “Summer Reading” finished with a massive new record- 97,025.  And, equally shocking, an achiever rate of 48% completion. This rate for completion is unheard of and we are super proud. In other library news, we’re now providing access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers more than 10,000 courses for a very wide variety of topics, including technology, programming languages, professional skills, and a plethora of creative content (drawing, animation, and even some language learning). No better time than the present to brush up on your skills or check that box on your bucket list.  Available for all library card holders. See us at www.mcldaz.org

Over the past several weeks, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) has received reports of 17 individuals becoming ill after eating food from a specific group of unpermitted street vendors. MCESD has contacted the operators regarding the allegations and food code violations noted during complaint inspections. Due to the operators’ lack of cooperation, MCESD has initiated legal action and determined that direct public outreach is necessary to reduce risk of foodborne illness. MCESD advises the public to avoid eating from street vendors who do not possess a valid permit from MCESD. A permit requires vendors to follow basic food safety procedures. If you have concerns about a food operation or become ill from eating at a food establishment or street vendor, contact MCESD at (602) 506-6616 or gov/Enviro.

The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) is celebrating a significant step towards improving air quality in the state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed conditional approval of Rule 205 Mobile Emission Reduction Credits (MERCs) into the Arizona State Implementation Plan (SIP). Rule 205 is an innovative approach developed by MCAQD that incentivizes companies to upgrade their vehicles to cleaner options, creating emission reduction credits that allow companies and the economy to continue growing while improving our air quality. Once the proposed conditional approval of Rule 205 is final, MCAQD will have one year to correct any deficiencies identified by the EPA to obtain a permanent approval of Rule 205. During this time, MCAQD is authorized to issue MERCs to eligible entities which can in turn be sold to new or existing major emission sources to offset their emissions.

For more information about Rule 205 and MERCs, please visit gov/AQ or Rule 205 - Emission Offsets Generated by Voluntary Mobile Source Emission Reduction Credits.

Maricopa County  |  301 W Jefferson St  |  Phoenix, AZ 85003