(Editor’s note: Posted opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rose Law Group.)
A Republic Business article Wednesday, “Navajo station weighs options,” went into great detail on the circumstances surrounding the Navajo Generating Station and the Environmental Protection Agency. However, it did not mention the primary blow that awaits Arizonans should the EPA’s plan go through and dramatically raise water rates.
It’s been estimated that the mandated $1.1 billion in new emission controls forced on the Navajo Generating Station would increase water costs by 14 percent for municipal and industrial users and more than 30 percent for tribal and agricultural users. Even worse, if the plant shuts down because of the back-breaking costs, Central Arizona Project, the Valley’s main source of water, says water rates could double or triple.
If the Sierra Club, as its spokesman implies in the article, is so concerned about the fate of ratepayers, why does it continue to advocate for regulations that would eliminate our most affordable source of energy? Why would it want to saddle Arizona families and businesses with higher water rates? Why would it do all this while, according to federal government experts, likely doing nothing to improve visibility above the Grand Canyon?
~ Rep. Debbie Lesko, Republican who represents District 21 in the Arizona House.
