Arizona "tea party" members in the House appear to have enough support to send a bill to Gov. Jan Brewer that would quash sustainability efforts in the state and cities.

On Wednesday, the Arizona House, in a preliminary voice vote, approved SB 1507, a measure sponsored by Rep. Judy Burges, R-Sun City West, a tea-party member.

The bill takes aim at a 1992 U.N. declaration. Conservative groups such as the John Birch Society that do not believe in global warming contend the declaration aims to restrict citizens' choices, such as whether they can drive a gas-fueled car.

The Senate approved the Burges bill more than a month ago. The House still must hold a final roll-call vote during a third reading of the bill.

Opponents say the bill, if signed into law, will shut down any government-led environmental initiative, such as Energize Phoenix, a stimulus-funded, $25 million program to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses near the light-rail route in central Phoenix.

Under Burges' bill, the state, counties and cities could not accept or spend funds from "certain non-governmental organizations," including non-profit groups and contractors, for any of the declaration's initiatives. They also could not give funds to such organizations.

"I find it quite amazing that we have this on this floor, considering the issues of sustainability that are actually moving our economy forward," said Rep. Debbie McCune Davis, D-Phoenix, an opponent of the bill.

Burges, who was appointed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in January to fulfill the term of Sen. Scott Bundgaard, did not speak about her bill Wednesday. However, Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, called for the voice vote.

"The United Nations does not have the United States' best interests at heart," Farnsworth said. "I have concerns about us giving up our sovereignty to the United Nations and the World Court."

Rep. Cecil Ash, R-Mesa, disagreed, saying he spent two years working with charitable efforts involving the United Nations. "I don't think the United Nations does as much harm as it does good," Ash said.