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Dear LD25 Friends,
Energy policy has quickly become one of the most important issues at the Capitol this session. As Arizona continues to grow, the demand for reliable, affordable power is increasing, and the decisions we make today will shape our economy, our grid, and our quality of life for years to come.
Concerns regarding the Governor's energy plan's direction have recently been voiced. Specifically, utility-scale solar installations on state territory are heavily emphasized in the proposal. This is worrisome, to say the least. We shouldn't "put all our eggs in one basket."
Although renewable energy contributes to our energy mix in our state (and understandably so), an excessive dependence on a single source, especially one that is unreliable in several ways, raises significant concerns regarding long-term dependability and cost for Arizona households.
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Ensuring a More Reliable and Balanced Energy Mix
One of the key priorities for the House is maintaining a balanced energy portfolio. Arizona cannot afford to rely too heavily on any single source of power.
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Solar energy has value, but it must be paired with reliable, consistent generation such as natural gas or advanced nuclear to ensure the grid remains stable, especially during peak demand and extreme weather.
House Republicans are continuing to emphasize an “all-of-the-above” approach that supports innovation while keeping reliability and affordability front and center.
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Supporting Next-Generation Energy and Grid Security
In addition to maintaining balance, the Legislature is exploring policies that support emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors and grid modernization.
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These efforts are aimed at strengthening Arizona’s energy independence, creating high-paying jobs, and ensuring that our infrastructure can keep up with population growth.
Energy security is also a national security issue. As demand increases and global competition intensifies, Arizona must position itself to lead with dependable, forward-thinking energy solutions.
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Protecting Ratepayers and Taxpayers
Another concern raised in recent discussions is the potential cost burden on Arizona families.
We take these concerns seriously, especially when they affect your wallet and you ability to provide comfortably for your families. Large-scale energy mandates or subsidies that favor certain industries can lead to higher utility bills over time.
The AZ House is focused on ensuring that energy policies do not place unnecessary financial strain on ratepayers. Any plan must be practical, cost-effective, and focused on delivering value to Arizona residents, not special interests.
The bottom line: we want you to have a variety of energy sources so you can pick what's most reliable and affordable for you and your family.
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| What should be Arizona’s top energy priority moving forward? |
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As we move forward, I will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize reliability, affordability, and responsible growth.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Michael Carbone
Majority Leader
Arizona House of Representatives
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