By Jenn Moreira | White Mountain Independent
Apache County’s energy future got a nod on the national stage this week, as U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego spotlighted the Coronado Generating Station in a Fox News opinion piece. In the column, Gallego reaffirmed his commitment to nuclear energy and called for a shift in federal priorities to support small modular reactors, positioning rural communities like those in northeastern Arizona as key players in the next wave of clean energy innovation. Gallego’s editorial emphasized the importance of nuclear power in achieving long-term energy independence and sustainability not just for Arizona, but for the nation.
While the op-ed highlighted federal roadblocks and challenges to expanding nuclear infrastructure, Gallego’s message also focused on the Coronado Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant in Apache County currently slated for closure. Gallego pointed to the CGS site as a prime candidate for transitioning into a small modular reactor facility, a move that could maintain high-paying energy jobs, build upon existing infrastructure and reinforce the region’s role as a future energy hub.
“SRP appreciates Sen. Gallego’s support for nuclear energy and believes that advanced nuclear holds tremendous potential for meeting Arizona’s future energy needs and supporting economic development,” the utility stated. “Arizona Public Service, SRP and Tucson Electric Power recently announced that the three utilities are jointly exploring the addition of new nuclear generation in Arizona. As part of this collaboration, they have applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to begin preliminary site exploration for future nuclear development. SRP welcomes Sen. Gallego’s continued engagement and focus on Arizona’s energy future.”
