Ballot measure would raise production of clean energy in Arizona
A ballot measure being proposed would require Arizona’s public utilities to get half of their power from renewable sources, like solar and wind, by 2030.
FILE - In this Monday, June 12, 2017 file photo, wind turbines are pictured near El Reno, Okla. Oklahoma rolled out the red carpet to the growing wind industry two decades ago with the promise of generous state tax incentives and a steady stream of wind sweeping down the Central Plains. But with budget shortfalls that have persisted for several years, lawmakers have already scaled back almost all of the incentives and are now looking to impose a new production tax on the industry. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
PHOENIX — A ballot measure being proposed would require Arizona’s public utilities to get half of their power from renewable sources, like solar and wind, by the year 2030.
Supporters of renewable energy filed paperwork with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office this week to get the measure on the ballot as a constitutional amendment this November.
Alejandra Gomez, chair for the Clean Energy for a Healthy Arizona, said this would lead to cleaner air and water for Arizona families. She said her group has heard from families who’ve gotten sick due to high levels of pollution.
“Our voters should have the right to push for better standards of health and living in their state,” she said.
Currently, the clean energy target for the state is 15 percent by 2025. Gomez said she believes that goal is “incredibly low.”
The proposed clean energy target would apply to public utility companies like Arizona Public Service and Tucson Electric Power. It would not apply to Salt River Project because it is not regulated by the Arizona Corporate Commission.
A group opposing the proposed constitutional amendment has already formed. Matt Benson, a spokesperson for Arizonans for Affordable Electricity, said the proposed ballot measure is “a bad idea.”
“It’s going to drive up the utility and electricity rates that every Arizona consumer pays,” Benson said.
Supporters have until July 5 to collect more than 220,000 signatures to get it on the November ballot.
Gomez said they already started collecting the signatures and “feel really good about reaching that goal.”
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