By Bob Stump, chairman, Arizona Corporation Commission | The Daily Caller
In the shadow of President Obama’s pronouncements on climate change and the future of coal, policymakers in my state of Arizona are asking, “Should Arizona continue to depend on coal?” Writing as one who participates in Arizona’s energy resource-planning process, I would contend that Arizona cannot afford not to, notwithstanding the EPA and the president’s attempts to have it otherwise.
While natural gas, renewable energy and energy efficiency are playing an increasingly significant role in Arizona utilities’ energy portfolios, coal remains a critical resource in ensuring low rates and reliable, 24-7 baseload power.
For example, Arizona’s second-most-populous city, Tucson, derives roughly 75 percent of its power from coal generation — no small percentage for a town planted thick with self-professed environmentalists.
Related: [OP-ED] Pierce: ‘War on coal’ could burden ratepayers, cripple economy
