The call for these new energy standards reflects a growing concern among lawmakers and stakeholders regarding the rising costs of natural gas, which have driven up electricity prices for consumers. Supporters of SCM1002, including environmental groups and consumer advocates, contend that failing to adopt these standards keeps ratepayers vulnerable to volatile fossil fuel markets and limits Arizona's potential in solar generation, given the state’s abundant sunlight.
Summary
SCM1002 is a concurrent memorial introduced in the Arizona Senate, urging the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt previously proposed energy rules aimed at increasing the state's renewable energy standards. The bill highlights the importance of transitioning Arizona's energy portfolio from fossil fuels to renewable sources, such as solar and wind, to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed rules would require utilities to achieve 50% emissions-free electricity by 2032 and 100% by 2050, with additional standards for energy efficiency and energy storage that include customer-owned systems.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding SCM1002 lies in the Arizona Corporation Commission's decision in 2022 to not pass the new energy standards, which was based on concerns about the impact of these rules on ratepayer costs. Critics argue that this failure has detrimental effects on efforts to mitigate climate change, while advocates for the proposed standards see it as an essential step towards sustainable energy practices and economic growth within the state's energy sector.