Matthew Benson
The Arizona Republic
July 1, 2007
Bills dealing with air quality, illegal immigration, campaign financing and other big issues facing the state will be decided Monday as Gov. Janet Napolitano acts upon the remaining 34 bills on her desk.
That's the deadline for her to sign, veto or allow the measures to become law without her signature. In a flurry of end-of-session action last year, Napolitano vetoed nine of the last 28 measures awaiting her decision.
Re: Air quality
Senate Bill 1552 takes aim at the Valley's dirty air with a series of new restrictions on leaf-blower use and the construction industry.
It adds paving requirements for vacant lots and road shoulders and institutes new bans on activities such as four-wheeling on high-pollution days.
The measure, which is expected to have the governor's backing, also brings a new summer gasoline blend to the fast-growing parts of Pinal County to help curb ozone pollution.
Supporters hope the new regulations will improve air quality in the metro area and ward off federal sanctions that could include a loss of highway funding.