Opinion

This election, return energy efficiency to the forefront

Posted

OPINION — Probably the least understood state agency is the Arizona Corporation Commission. Sure, it regulates businesses, but it also has the extremely important task of regulating electric utility companies.

But, as stated in the Arizona constitution, it’s also charged with consideration of the health and safety of all Arizonans.

So, when the current corporation commissioners trashed renewable energy and energy efficiency standards (as they did earlier this year), they are ignoring that part of their constitutional mandate. This means utilities can run wild with fossil fuels, which greatly contribute to our pollution problems and ever-increasing heat – our health and safety.

We have a chance to change that dangerous path by electing Jonathan Hill and Clara Pratt this November. They will make sure that energy efficiency and solar development return to the forefront.

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