https://open.substack.com/pub/ncelections/p/dan-baker-and-environmental-testing?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Feb 13, 2026
As large-scale solar, wind, and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects gain momentum across rural Arizona, residents of Navajo and Apache counties face unique vulnerabilities. These expansive, sparsely populated regions—home to vast open lands, sensitive ecosystems, and significant Native American communities—have seen growing interest in renewable developments. Yet, with no mandatory baseline soil, water, or air testing for contaminants like PFAS, lead, cadmium, and ethylene glycol, local advocates are turning to figures like Dan Baker for guidance and tools to demand accountability.
Dan Baker, founder and representative of Environmental Testing USA (ETUSA), a nonprofit focused on science-based environmental transparency, offers a practical model that could directly empower communities in Navajo and Apache counties. Through ETUSA’s work in southern Arizona, Baker has demonstrated how citizen-led initiatives can bridge regulatory gaps and influence local decision-making—lessons highly relevant to the northeast counties.
In nearby Cochise County, Baker has been seeking data for years with his knowledge of renewable energy guidelines, potential lifecycle soil testing, and public safety concern. He wants to address the absence of required contaminant monitoring around facilities and push for stronger oversight. For Navajo and Apache counties, where similar projects could impact groundwater, sacred sites, and rural livelihoods, Baker’s approach provides a roadmap: organizing workshops, educating Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs), and advocating for county-level testing requirements.
One of ETUSA’s most powerful tools is a detailed “tort-ready” pre-filing worksheet for the EPA’s Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) under EPCRA Section 313. This citizen-crafted document demands disclosure of hazardous chemicals—such as PFAS in solar coatings, cadmium in panels, ethylene glycol in wind turbine coolants, and sulfur hexafluoride in electrical systems—if facilities meet reporting thresholds. By sending these to developers early in the rezoning process, residents can establish a record of known risks, trigger preservation of evidence, and highlight potential liabilities like negligence or nuisance claims.
In Navajo and Apache counties, where fire departments often lack certification for BESS emergencies (per UL 9540 and 9540A standards), Baker’s emphasis on first responder training resonates deeply. Rural areas risk the “let it burn” default in battery fires, endangering lives and releasing toxins. ETUSA’s advocacy for funding and proper protocols could help secure resources for local departments, ensuring safer responses amid growing renewable infrastructure.
