Arizona Governor Hobbs Aims to Slash Energy Costs and Boost Renewables
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed an executive order aiming to tackle rising energy costs and ensure access to electricity for all residents. The order, titled 'Removing Barriers to Delivering Affordable Energy for Arizona', comes as the state's population and energy needs are set to increase by 40% in the next 15 years, driven partly by datacenter growth.
The order establishes the Arizona Energy Promise Taskforce, comprising representatives from state agencies, private energy companies, utilities, environmental organizations, and community stakeholders. The taskforce will facilitate large-scale growth of renewable energy and energy storage, which currently make up 19% of Arizona's power generation capacity.
The executive order directs the state to develop an energy affordability study, with the goal of reducing consumer energy costs and expanding affordability programs. It also tasks the State Land department with creating a report to streamline energy infrastructure development processes on state land.
Governor Hobbs warns that federal actions, such as delays in permitting processes for solar and wind projects, could have a 'serious chilling effect' on Arizona's energy industry growth. The order leverages state resources to support energy-related businesses and help Tribes advance energy sovereignty.
By 2035, recent federal actions are estimated to increase energy costs for Arizonans by $280 per year and leave thousands without access to electricity. Governor Hobbs' executive order is a proactive step to mitigate these impacts, fostering growth in Arizona's clean energy economy while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all residents.
