Environmental and Business Leaders Clash Over All-GOP Corporation Commission

In a significant shift, Republicans will hold all five positions on the Arizona Corporation Commission following the November 5 election, raising concerns among clean energy advocates and environmentalists.

Rachel Walden, Rene Lopez, and incumbent Lea Marquez Peterson emerged as the leading candidates, successfully defeating three Democratic challengers and two from the Green Party.

While the Democratic candidates, including Ylenia Aguilar, Jonathon Hill, and Joshua Polachek, aimed to promote environmental issues, the Republican campaign emphasized lowering utility rates and promoting a diverse energy portfolio based on free-market principles.

Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon chapter, expressed surprise at the Republican sweep. “I didn’t expect them to win all the seats, but I knew it would be difficult,” Bahr stated.

Environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club, are now preparing for potential setbacks in environmental regulations and alternative energy advancements. Notably, the Republicans held a complete majority just five years ago, while Democrats have not commanded a majority since 2010.

At present, there is a 4-1 Republican majority on the commission, with both Republican Chair Jim O’Connor and Democratic Commissioner Anna Tovar opting not to seek reelection.

Bahr, a seasoned environmental lobbyist, noted that collaboration with Republican majorities is familiar territory for environmental advocates. “We expect consistent decisions moving forward, likely resulting in unanimous votes,” she remarked.

Bahr anticipates the new commission could work towards repealing vital energy standards first established in 2006 and 2010, aimed at ensuring utilities meet renewable energy and efficiency benchmarks. Although the commission initiated this repeal process earlier this year amidst opposition from clean energy advocates, repeated meets have met stated goals.

Additionally, it’s expected that the commission will uphold its decision to exempt a UniSource Energy power plant expansion from environmental scrutiny, a choice being contested in court.

Bahr urged increased public engagement, emphasizing the importance of advocacy for those unable to represent themselves in these crucial discussions.

In contrast, Michael Barrio, a policy expert with Advanced Energy United, views the commission’s new configuration as an opportunity rather than a hurdle. “Though the ACC might seem challenging for some, there’s scope to highlight the economic advantages of clean energy,” he explained.

Barrio plans to advocate for clean energy initiatives like expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, stressing their alignment with economic growth, which resonates with Republican priorities.

Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, anticipates that the commission will prioritize utility affordability and reliability. “They haven’t opposed clean energy; their focus lies on ensuring plenty of renewables,” he explained.

Seiden asserts that the commission deserves recognition for its contributions to Arizona’s economic climate, underscoring the importance of its decisions for energy grid reliability.

However, past actions by the commission have attracted scrutiny concerning renewable energy initiatives, environmental safeguards, and rising utility costs.