The Presidential 1776 Award

Learn from the past. Test your knowledge. Track your future.

https://www.presidential1776award.org

PUT YOUR KNOWLEDGE, CURIOSITY, AND GRIT ON THE MAIN STAGE

About the Competition

The Presidential 1776 Award is part of a national civics competition that challenges high school students who have interest in history around the founding of America and the ideas that shaped this country. The competition focuses on the Founders, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitutional Convention, and the key battles and soldiers of the American Revolutionary War.

Students in grades 9-12 will compete in three stages:

• An online multiple-choice test
• An in-person regional semi-finals
• A national finals event in Washington D.C.

Student travel and lodging will not be sponsored for regional contestants but will be covered for national finalists.

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February 15, 2026

https://azfreenews.com/2026/02/hobbs-vetoes-gop-tax-conformity-bill-leaving-arizona-taxpayers-facing-uncertainty/

Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed a Republican bill, HB 2785, which would have brought Arizona’s income tax law into full conformity with the federal Internal Revenue Code as reflected in the tax forms already issued by Hobbs’ Department of Revenue for the 2025 tax year.

The post Hobbs Vetoes GOP Tax Conformity Bill, Leaving Arizona Taxpayers Facing Uncertainty appeared first on Navajo County Republican Committee.

Joe Lange

Feb 16, 2026

https://open.substack.com/pub/joelange/p/financial-transformation-underway-78a?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

When all currencies are backed by gold or hard ASSETS, sovereignty of each nation’s financial system is protected.

But how do you prevent the ASSETS from being centralized and controlled?

Transparency is key.

Corruption loves to hide in darkness.

Placing all ASSETS on a blockchain ledger, makes the financial system transparent and decentralized. That will help to end any manipulation and a lot of government corruption. It allows the people to keep track of and oversee the ASSETS.

Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

But how do you hand the power back to the people permanently?

You can make the money honest again, but how do you safeguard the people’s CONTROL over the money?

Stablecoins.

When the Venezuelan currency collapsed into hyperinflation, the people started scrambling to find dollars.

It was an ESCAPE from poverty and the debt slavery system within Venezuela.

Freedom from government control.

“When a government fails its responsibilities, it should be no surprise that people protect themselves through unofficial currency trading. This is exactly what big international investors do all the time, albeit through more official channels.”

https://theconversation.com/what-caused-hyperinflation-in-venezuela-a-rare-blend-of-public-ineptitude-and-private-enterprise-102483

The Venezuelan people were “smuggling” in US dollars from neighboring countries, to replace the bolivar.

Maduro passed laws, to prevent currency exchange from bolivars into dollars, in order to control the money. That didn’t stop the black market exchanges.

Government CONTROL of the money makes the people debt slaves.

How do you create a permanent financial ESCAPE for the people, under any future tyrannical government?

You create a decentralized system, where access to other currencies is no longer, just an option for “big international investors” and the elite.

STABLECOINS change everything.

It’s way more than just a new “stable” currency.

Trump is going to DECENTRALIZE everything. That’s the only way to truly hand the power back to the people.

How?

Stablecoins AND “real world ASSET tokenization.”

“The convergence of stablecoins and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization marks a defining moment for the digital economy. As traditional finance and blockchain technology continue to merge, stablecoins have become the lifeblood of liquidity in tokenized ecosystems — bridging fiat currencies with blockchain-based assets.”

This is really important to understand.

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This is where the value proposition tilts strongly toward nuclear:

• Emissions — Coal emits ~820 gCO₂/kWh plus SO₂, NOₓ, mercury, and particulates (linked to thousands of premature deaths annually). Nuclear lifecycle emissions are ~10–50 gCO₂/kWh—comparable to or better than wind/solar when system costs are considered. Replacing coal with SMRs delivers immediate, deep decarbonization and cleaner air (e.g., Ontario’s coal phase-out dramatically improved local air quality).
• Waste — Coal produces massive toxic ash (hundreds of thousands of tons per plant yearly, with heavy metals). Nuclear waste is tiny in volume but highly radioactive and requires secure long-term management. Many SMR designs actually generate 2–30 times more waste volume per unit of energy than conventional large reactors due to higher neutron leakage and more complex spent fuel—though the absolute quantities remain far smaller than coal ash.
• Land and Mining — Nuclear has a vastly smaller footprint and lower ongoing fuel needs.

Overall, SMRs provide major public health and climate benefits, especially in polluted coal communities.Deployment, Safety, and ChallengesTimelines — Extending coal life is immediate. SMR licensing and construction (even with site reuse) likely take 5–10+ years for early projects; commercial scale-up is targeted for the mid-2030s onward. Global addressable market for coal replacement with SMRs is estimated at ~450 GW by 2050 (143 GW potential by 2035, mostly in the U.S.), but many utilities prefer to be “fast followers” rather than first movers.Safety — Modern nuclear (including SMR passive designs) has an exceptional safety record statistically. Smaller cores reduce meltdown risks. Coal mining and air pollution pose far greater routine hazards.Other hurdles for SMRs:

• Regulatory/licensing delays for new designs.
• Workforce reskilling (though significant overlap exists; nuclear jobs pay more).
• Public acceptance and nuclear waste policy.
• Supply chain and fuel fabrication scaling.

Overall Value Proposition

Staying with/extending coal wins on near-term affordability, familiarity, and speed—aligning with interim stop-gap strategies to avoid blackouts amid surging demand. However, it locks in emissions, health costs, fuel volatility, and eventual regulatory pressure to retire plants. Transitioning to mini-nuclear delivers superior long-term value: dramatic emissions cuts, reliable high-capacity power, infrastructure leverage, job/economic revitalization in coal communities, and resilience for a high-demand grid. Cost savings from coal-site reuse and modularity make SMRs more feasible than large reactors for replacement. The trade-offs are higher initial capital, deployment delays, and SMR-specific waste increases—challenges that policy support (tax credits, loan guarantees, streamlined licensing) and nth-of-a-kind learning can mitigate. In the context of U.S. grid shortfalls, mini-nuclear is not an immediate substitute but a stronger strategic replacement for coal over the 2030s–2050s, enabling decarbonization without sacrificing reliability. Success depends on proven deployments, cost control, and addressing waste/public concerns. Multiple studies (DOE, NEA) see this as a high-potential pathway for energy security and just transitions.

The post Mini Nukes or Coal Powered Power Plants-The case for transition from coal to nukes appeared first on Navajo County Republican Committee.

For instance, on February 11, 2026, Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Defense to enter long-term power purchase agreements with coal-fired plants to ensure military installations have reliable, on-demand electricity, explicitly citing grid resilience against blackouts. whitehouse.gov +2 This move was part of a broader “national energy emergency” declaration from early 2025, which has been used to prevent retirements of aging coal plants and allocate federal funds—such as $175 million for upgrades at six specific plants in states like Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia—to keep them operational. energy.gov +1Trump’s administration has invoked emergency powers, including wartime-era legislation, to mandate that certain uneconomic coal plants remain online beyond their planned closure dates, arguing that projected load growth and overreliance on intermittent sources could increase blackout risks by up to 100 times by 2030.

Officials like Energy Secretary Chris Wright have highlighted coal’s performance during recent winter storms, claiming it delivered far more electricity than solar and batteries at peak demand, and prevented wider outages. Trump has also committed to lifting regulatory barriers from previous administrations, reinstating the National Coal Council, and providing over $625 million to expand coal infrastructure on federal lands, with the goal of achieving “energy dominance” and countering international competitors like China. whitehouse.gov +2While Trump portrays these steps as a temporary “stop-gap” to stabilize the grid amid rapid demand growth—estimating a need for up to 100 GW of additional peak supply by 2030—critics argue they represent a longer-term revival of coal, potentially increasing utility costs by $3-6 billion through 2028 and conflicting with market trends where renewables have overtaken coal in new capacity additions. carbonbrief.org +2 Despite overseeing significant coal retirements during his terms (around 57 GW total), his current posture emphasizes coal’s role in preventing energy subtraction and ensuring affordable, dispatchable power over intermittent alternatives.

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Kelly Meixler

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.

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Kelly Meixler

Feb 04, 2026

https://open.substack.com/pub/ncelections/p/rural-arizonas-energy-crossroads?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

In the wide-open landscapes of Navajo and Apache Counties, a quiet battle is unfolding over the future of energy. Residents—families, ranchers, and longtime locals—are voicing growing concerns about the rush to blanket thousands of acres with wind turbines, solar panels, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). These projects, often promoted as “green” solutions to replace closing coal plants, come with real costs to communities. Meanwhile, cleaner, more reliable alternatives like natural gas and advanced nuclear power are gaining traction nationwide, offering potential paths forward that prioritize stability, security, and local input.

The Concerns: More Than Just “Not in My Backyard”

Opposition isn’t rooted in denying climate challenges or clean energy—many residents support responsible transition. The issues are practical and profound:

• Visual and Environmental Blight: Massive turbines (some over 700 feet tall) and sprawling solar farms alter pristine views, disrupt wildlife migration, and fragment habitats. Night skies, cherished for stargazing and tourism, fill with blinking red lights. Abandoned infrastructure (turbines, panels) could leave toxic waste for generations if decommissioning bonds fall short.
• Water and Resource Strain: Solar farms and data centers tied to “tech corridors” demand enormous water in an already arid region. Aquifers like Black Mesa are at risk, affecting agriculture and tribal communities.
• Fire and Safety Risks: BESS units—giant lithium-ion batteries—have sparked devastating fires elsewhere (e.g., California incidents). In remote areas with limited firefighting resources, this poses unacceptable dangers.
• Grid Reliability and Intermittency: Wind and solar produce power only when nature cooperates, requiring backup (often fossil fuels) and straining the grid during peaks. Blackouts or brownouts threaten rural reliability.
• National Security Vulnerabilities: The U.S. Commerce Department’s ongoing Section 232 investigation highlights risks from imported components—66% of turbine value often foreign, with 98% of solar panels from China or proxies. Cyber vulnerabilities in foreign tech could compromise the grid.
• Rushed Processes and Economic Pressures: Projects are fast-tracked to capture expiring Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) subsidies (requiring construction start by ~2027). Residents report inadequate notice, weakened ordinances (e.g., reduced setbacks), and limited voice—while promotion flows through groups like the dissolved-but-ongoing Real AZ.

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https://www.wmicentral.com/news/crowds-exceed-capacity-at-lava-run-interconnection-remand-hearing-remote-location/article_0135cb54-2219-40d3-b108-564cdc4fbf71.html

Hundreds of area residents converged on the Arizona Corporation Commission Line Siting Committee remand hearing remote location at the Springerville Airport, while the main hearing was conducted in Phoenix, overwhelming the available meeting space and leaving many unable to participate in person. The strong turnout reflects the depth of community sentiment surrounding the proposed 27-mile transmission line that would connect the Lava Run Wind project to the regional grid through the Springerville Generating Station.

Tensions rose early as Adam Stafford, chairman of the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee, informed attendees that individuals who spoke at the October hearing were not permitted to speak again, despite some residents reporting they received mailed postcards inviting them to return and provide additional comment. Several in the crowd voiced frustration, saying the restriction, combined with the limited venue size, left them feeling their voices were being stifled.

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