Strengthening Arizona’s Energy Future with Advanced Nuclear Technology

One of the most important long-term issues facing Arizona is energy reliability. As our state continues to grow, so does the demand for electricity to power homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

The House has been working on legislation during this session that would allow next-generation small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to be developed in rural parts of Arizona.

Unlike traditional nuclear plants, these advanced reactors are smaller, safer by design, and built using modern technology that allows them to be deployed more efficiently.

They can provide reliable, carbon-free electricity around the clock, something solar and wind alone cannot always guarantee. That reliability is critical as Arizona’s population grows and our energy grid faces increasing pressure.

SMRs also present a major economic opportunity for rural communities. These projects bring high-paying technical jobs, infrastructure investment, and long-term economic development to areas that often struggle to attract large-scale industry.

For rural counties, it can mean new opportunities without the environmental footprint associated with many traditional energy projects.

At the same time, the legislation maintains federal safety oversight and public input requirements. Developers must still meet strict federal regulatory standards before any project can move forward.

Energy policy is quickly becoming one of the defining issues of this legislative session. As Arizona continues to grow, ensuring that our state has reliable, affordable, and responsible energy generation will remain a top priority.

Addressing Housing Affordability in Arizona

Housing affordability continues to be a major concern across Arizona as home prices and rents have increased in recent years.

Arizona, we are listening!

In response, the Arizona House recently advanced several bills aimed at increasing the supply of housing and reducing regulatory costs that can contribute to higher home prices.

The legislation focuses on expanding available land for development and addressing some of the policies that lawmakers say increase construction costs.

Housing policy has become a significant topic at the Arizona Legislature this session as lawmakers debate how to balance growth, affordability, and local control while responding to rising housing demand across the state.

Keeping Arizona Moving: The Importance of the I-10 West Valley Widening

The West Valley continues to experience tremendous growth. Communities like Buckeye are among the fastest-growing in Arizona, bringing new families, new businesses, and increased economic opportunity to the region.

With that growth comes increased demand on our transportation infrastructure, particularly along Interstate 10.

Expanding capacity along the stretch from State Route 85 to Citrus Road would help improve safety, reduce congestion, and maintain reliable travel times for the thousands of drivers who rely on this route every day.

The project is also critical for Arizona’s broader economy. I-10 is a major transportation route connecting the West Valley to the rest of the state and the country.

As population and commerce continue to expand, ensuring this highway can handle increased traffic is essential to keeping goods moving efficiently and supporting continued economic growth.

Despite these clear needs, funding for the project was removed from the Governor’s latest budget proposal.

House Republicans have continued to emphasize that transportation investments must keep pace with Arizona’s rapid growth.

Legislative leaders including Speaker Steve Montenegro, Representatives David Livingston, Nick Kupper, Beverly Pingerelli and myself have been working to keep the I-10 widening project a priority.

Our goal is to ensure the region’s infrastructure keeps up with growth so that families, workers, and businesses can continue to rely on safe and efficient travel across one of Arizona’s most important transportation corridors.

​Read m​ore.