CHIPS Communities United and its local Arizona partners denounced the recent decision by the EPA to continue classifying Maricopa County’s dangerous air quality as only a “moderate” problem, when the science indicates it is a serious problem that calls for immediate action. The recent ruling aligns with efforts by corporate polluters to weaken enforcement and allow continued practices that endanger public health.
“Semiconductor companies like TSMC and Intel contribute to the terrible air quality in Maricopa County by using ozone in their production process and emitting other chemicals that react to form ozone,” said Judith Barish, director of CHIPS Communities United, a national coalition of unions, environmental groups, and community-based organizations dedicated to a clean, sustainable, and equitable semiconductor industry. “We need stronger rules to protect the public, not weaker ones.”
“Maricopa County’s press release spins the EPA ozone ruling as a win for the business community, but what about the kids and seniors whose health will be impacted by elevated air pollution and the families footing medical bills?” asked Tammy Weaver, who lives south of TSMC in Stetson Valley in North Phoenix. “The County is showing its priorities: polluters first, public health last. The brown cloud isn’t a Phoenix landmark—it’s proof of poor choices and lack of accountability. It’s time for real action—not excuses!”
The American Lung Association gives Maricopa County an F – a failing grade – for ozone, because air in the county exceeds the EPA’s air quality index 159 days a year. By law, this dire situation should lead the county to be classified a “serious” nonattainment area, which would require critical public health measures to reduce pollution. A finding of serious nonattainment triggers mandatory, stricter pollution controls and limits on industrial emissions. Instead, the County has argued (and the EPA has agreed) that the ozone doesn’t count because some of the pollution contributing to it comes from Mexico.
“Seniors, children with asthma, and other vulnerable members of our community will suffer from this ruling, regardless of where the pollution comes from,” said Sandy Bahr, director of Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter. “Ozone shortens our lives and damages our health. We rely on the EPA and Maricopa County to roll up their sleeves and protect people who live in the Valley, not cave to the demands of corporate polluters.” Arizona already has higher asthma mortality rates than the country as a whole.
“Latino communities are more likely to live near highways and polluting fossil fuel infrastructure, driving higher rates of asthma and cardiovascular disease,” warned Meisei Gonzalez, the climate justice and clean air advocate of the group GreenLatinos. “We also know Latino communities are exposed to 23% higher levels of particulate pollution from transportation sources, yet decisions like this ignore that reality. Reclassifying Maricopa County’s air quality as ‘moderate’ puts corporate interests over public health and fails to deliver the stronger protections our comunidades need to breathe clean air.”
Data centers and gas power plants also contribute to ozone pollution by releasing ozone precursor chemicals. “There are grade schools, sports fields, and seniors living with significant health issues in the immediate area where a diesel powered data center is being proposed,” warned Kim Dunbar, a citizen with Project Baccara Opposition Coalition. “Arizona dust already exacerbates lung issues; we certainly do not want to add to this.”
“This ruling presents an opportunity for the semiconductor industry to demonstrate its desire to be a good neighbor by implementing protective measures that reduce air pollution,” said Sheri Orr of Citizens for Smart Growth in Peoria. “By going beyond the weakened regulatory requirements, firms like Amkor, Intel, and TSMC can show their dedication to the health and wellbeing of our communities.” # # #
Joining this statement:
Citizens for Smart Growth
GreenLatinos
Project Baccara Opposition Coalition
Property Owners and Residents Association of Sun City West
Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter
