Passing Thoughts
Per my previous comment about reporting important policy issues to you. Here are some things that most people miss, or that polluters are happy when the public misses.
Solar for All. As part of the ground-breaking Inflation Reduction Act, Arizona will get $156 million that can be used to improve access to rooftop and neighborhood-scale solar generation for all Arizonans. The Solar for All Arizonans program plans to deploy just over 61 MW of new solar resources throughout the state, benefitting thousands of low-income families, renters, and rural and Tribal communities. The innovative Solar for All Arizonans program will provide numerous benefits for families throughout Arizona, including over $164 million in bill savings for participating families. Additionally, over 300 rural households will benefit from solar plus battery systems for their homes, protecting them from electricity service disruption.
The Climate Commission. There is a direct tie between the Arizona Corporation Commission, power companies and climate change generally and public health specifically. It probably seems obvious to my readers, but polls show that most people don’t see this connection. In fact several hundred thousand voters don’t vote all the way down the ballot where the Corporation Commission candidates are listed. If more people knew that the Corporation Commission really is the “climate commission”, I know they would vote in those elections. See this great article from the Arizona Public Health Association for examples of how the Corporation Commission affect you very directly.
Phoenix Air Quality. While Gila, Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties, were given an “F” for air quality from the American Lung Association in their annual report last month, our public utilities are pushing forward with plans to build as much as 4,000 megawatts of new dirty methane gas power plants. Most of these plants are, or will be, in areas that are failing to meet clean air standards already, or are populated by marginalized communities. 84% of Arizonans live in areas with unhealthy air. A combination of renewable energy, batteries and utility-funded home energy efficiency incentives could clean the air.
