Legislation approved by state lawmakers Wednesday would block a proposal before the ACC that would require that half of the state’s energy be generated from carbon-free sources by 2035. / David Sanders / Tucson Electric Power
By Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services
State lawmakers voted Wednesday to strip the Arizona Corporation Commission of its power to mandate the use of renewable energy by utilities.
HB 2248, given preliminary approval on a voice vote, bars the panel from adopting or enforcing any new policy, decision or rule that regulates the electric generation resources without specific legislative authorization. And the measure, sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin, R-Hereford, provides no such authority.
State senators have yet to consider virtually identical legislation in SB 1175.
The most immediate effect would be to block a proposal before the commission that would require that half of the state’s energy be generated from carbon-free sources by 2035 and have power be totally carbon free by 2050.
That includes not just wind and solar but also nuclear. What it requires be phased out is electricity generated from coal and natural gas.
