In Arizona, a long-delayed gas power plant project near Gila Bend is back on track after the Arizona Corporation Commission extended its approval. Despite the decision to allow construction to proceed, some critics argue that the public has not had an adequate chance to voice their opinions on the project in over two decades.
Plans for the 845-megawatt gas power plant and accompanying transmission lines were first approved back in 2001. Gila Bend Power Partners, the company behind the project, owns approximately 600 acres of primarily vacant land located about six miles northwest of Gila Bend’s town center, according to Maricopa County property records.
Although the original authorization expired after five years, the project has received extensions in 2006, 2011, and 2018, with the latest extension set to expire on February 7. Court Rich, representing Gila Bend Power Partners, has requested another extension, stating that the company intends to finally commence construction.
“As discussed in previous filings in this docket, prior market conditions caused delays in the development of the Project,” Rich mentioned in a filing dated February 7. “However, at this time, favorable market conditions exist for the new generation and transmission the Project will provide.”
Regulatory Developments
During a recent open meeting, the commission placed the Gila Bend project on its consent agenda, reserved for non-controversial matters. This means the project was approved without public commentary or discussion among commissioners.
Attorney Emily Doerfler, representing the environmental group Western Resource Advocates, urged the commission to remove the item from the consent agenda. Her organization believes that Gila Bend Power Partners should apply for a new Certificate of Environmental Compatibility, a crucial document first issued in 2001.
Doerfler argued that restarting the process would ensure public notices, such as local newspaper postings and mailers, are disseminated. However, Commission Chairman Kevin Thompson denied this request, and the extension was approved in a 5-0 vote, allowing the project until 2032 for completion.
Community Concerns
The last public meetings regarding the power plant were held in 2001 by the Corporation Commission’s Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee. “Think about what the world was like in 2001 and think about what the world is like today,” remarked Doerfler.
She noted that many current residents were not present in the area two decades ago, and environmental priorities have shifted significantly. Concerns have also been raised about the type of gas plant proposed. “Combined cycle plants aren’t really even being built today because of how inefficient, heavily polluting and expensive they are,” Doerfler added.
Despite these concerns, Rich declined to comment further on the matter. Chairman Thompson assured that there would still be opportunities for public engagement, stating, “It’ll be upon the developer to go out and talk to the community to let them know as well as any of the utilities.”
Thompson emphasized the importance of community outreach, but it remains uncertain whether the project will return to the committee for further review. The initial approval and recent extension by the commission suggest limited avenues for additional public input.
Furthermore, the land designated for the power plant is currently zoned for commercial and residential purposes. Therefore, Gila Bend Power Partners may need to seek rezoning approval from the Gila Bend Town Council before construction can begin.
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