Great News for Arizona and Renewable Energy!!

10/31/06

After two more days of public hearing, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) this afternoon passed the final rule, establishing a new Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) that sets the goal and sets up a funding mechanism for 15% of a utility's power resources to come from renewable sources by the year 2025. The current goal was just over 1% by 2007.

Some members tried to pass amendments that would have weakened the rule and/or sent it back to the Attorney General's office for yet another review. In the end, the proponents of reason and "light" prevailed and the measure passed by a vote of four in favor and one against.

The next challenge for the environmental and renewable energy communities will come next Tuesday on Election Day. Two seats on the Commission will be voted on. Whoever is elected will oversee the implementation of the REST and many other energy, water and environment related matters.

Three candidates for the two seats support the REST and similar measures: Mark Manoil (D), Rick Boyer (D), & Kris Mayes (R - incumbent). One candidate, in particular, is a threat to all that has been accomplished in the years leading up to today's rule passage. Gary Pierce (R) has repeatedly stated that he does not favor setting specific goals or timelines for adding renewables to our energy resource mix. He has no expertise in energy issues and his years in the Arizona legislature were spent dealing with transportation issues (more freeways) and before that, he sold cars and gasoline in Yuma. His election to the ACC would be a major setback for accomplishment of the last few years.

Let's celebrate today's accomplishment. But please spread the word and vote for candidates that have committed themselves to a bright and sustainable future for Arizona and this country so that we can celebrate again next Tuesday night.

Jon Findley
Grand Canyon Chapter Energy Chair