By Jim Gold, msnbc.com
Arizona lawmakers appear close to sending to Gov. Jan Brewer a tea party-backed bill that proponents say would stop a United Nations takeover conspiracy but that critics claim could end state and cities? pollution-fighting efforts and even dismantle the state unemployment office.
A final legislative vote is expected Monday on a bill that would outlaw government support of any of the 27 principles contained in the 1992 United Nations Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, also sometimes referred to as Agenda 21.
Senate Bill 1507 was passed by the state Senate last month and received an initial House affirmation Wednesday. It is sponsored by state Sen. Judy Burges, R-Sun City West, who also sponsored a?state birther bill that Brewer vetoed last?year.
"The bill is designed to protect the rights of Arizona citizens and prevent encroachment on those rights by international institutions," Burges told msnbc.com in an email.?"We have three branches of government and when one branch preempts the process through executive orders, the balance of power is lost in the process.?It is that simple -- no more, no less."
At a March 15 hearing on the bill, Burges said an executive order signed by then-President Bill Clinton in 1993 started the implementation of Agenda 21 after the Senate refused to pass a treaty ratifying it.
"Any way you want to describe it,?Agenda 21 is a direct attack on the middle class and working poor" through "social engineering of our citizens" in "every aspect" of their?lives," she told the hearing.?
But House Minority Leader Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix, has a different view.
?It?s the most poorly crafted bill in this state,? Campbell told msnbc.com. ?It?s so broad and overreaching, we?re not sure what it could impact.?
Among the U.N. declaration?s non-binding principles are calls for sustainable development, environmental protection, eradicating poverty, eliminating unsustainable production and consumption patterns, economic growth and the participation of women in government decisions.
?We wouldn?t be able to use CFL light bulbs in state buildings because that would be considered energy efficiency,? Campbell said.
Campbell also said that the state?s Economic Security Department, which handles unemployment and welfare benefits, could be outlawed because it has to do with eradicating poverty.
Also, Arizona universities have sustainability programs that could be banned if the bill becomes law, Campbell warned.
Arizona State University has a School of Sustainability, Northern Arizona University offers a master's in sustainable communities, and the University of Arizona has an environment and sustainability portal.
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Brewer, who last spring?vetoed Burges' bill to require presidential candidates to prove their U.S. citizenship, typically does not comment on legislation until it reaches her desk, her spokesperson told msnbc.com Thursday.
About the Rio declaration, SB1507?says ?the United Nations has enlisted the support of numerous independent, shadow organizations to surreptitiously implement this agenda around the world.?
Rep. Terri Proud, R-Tucson, told supporters in an email that the U.N. declaration ?will take away our rights as Americans by allowing the United Nations to mandate laws on our soil,? the AzCapitolTimes.com reported. ?It?s very real and it is happening.?
The Times also reported that during House debate Wednesday, Rep. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, said the declaration is connected to the ?occult? of sustainability.
"The tea party and conspiracy theorists run the state now, Campbell told msnbc.com.
See video from the March 15 House Judiciary committee meeting on SB1507 here.
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