By Reagan Priest | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- Gov. Katie Hobbs rolled out an energy report addressing data center growth, energy demand
- The report was generated through the “herculean effort” of state energy stakeholders
- Hobbs urged state leaders to work in a bipartisan manner to secure Arizona’s energy future
Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office is rolling out a state strategic energy plan to address data center growth, skyrocketing energy demand and high utility bills.
The plan is part of a three-pronged report developed by Hobbs’ Arizona Energy Promise Task force, which she created via executive order in September. The 36-member group developed 31 recommendations covering myriad energy topics in what one task force member called a “herculean effort.”
Hobbs’ Office of Resiliency, led by Director Maren Mahoney, helped the task force develop the recommendations through five working groups composed of members from the private sector, state utility companies, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and more.
The governor told reporters after an April 2 task force meeting that the work is only just beginning, but bringing together stakeholders who typically do not agree to find common ground was no small feat.
