As Arizona’s legislative session approaches, environmental organizations are raising critical issues that demand attention, particularly in areas where bipartisan support may be possible. This annual effort sees a coalition of state groups outlining key environmental priorities for legislative action.
Despite the challenges in influencing the Republican-dominated Legislature, organizations such as the Sierra Club’s Arizona chapter, Mi Familia Vota, and the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans continue to push for change.
Data Centers Under Scrutiny
Data centers have emerged as a focal point for these groups. “Who will bear the burden of paying for that, you know? Will the ratepayers have to bear the cost through higher utility bills in order to bring in the infrastructure? And what kinds of energy is going to be powering these data centers,” questioned Sen. Priya Sundareshan (D-Tucson) during a press conference at the state Capitol.
Concerns also extend to the tax incentives provided to these centers, which amount to millions in tax breaks. New legislation is anticipated from Democrats regarding energy consumption, the impact on Arizona’s water resources, and data center operations.
Utilities and Regulatory Challenges
Advocates for regulating utilities are hopeful for bipartisan cooperation this year. The Arizona Corporation Commission has sanctioned considerable rate hikes recently, while Arizona Public Service has backtracked on its clean-energy commitments.
Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter’s lobbyist Sandy Bahr highlighted the political clout of utilities, stating, “As you see the utilities, really significant influence at the Corporation Commission, where apparently they don’t understand that they’re actually supposed to regulate utilities.”
Some Republican lawmakers have shown interest in curbing utilities’ influence, according to Bahr. Meanwhile, Sundareshan aims to reintroduce a bill that would prevent utility companies from using ratepayer funds for lobbying and related expenses. Rep. Oscar De Los Santos (D-Laveen) pointed out that Arizona ranks among the states with the highest electricity bills in the U.S.
Consistent Environmental Demands
The environmental coalition’s demands remain largely unchanged, focusing on water protection and groundwater restrictions. “Climate change is affecting our daily lives in Arizona and is contributing to a host of issues, including prolonged drought, decreased water availability, increased pollution, and unhealthy air,” the coalition stated.
They urge lawmakers to favor clean energy over fossil fuels and to allow state agencies to regulate greenhouse gas emissions without needing legislative approval.
Water conservation is a perennial concern, with advocates calling for less water-intensive farming, protection of ephemeral waters, and curbing groundwater extraction in critical areas. The coalition also seeks to address “environmental injustice and racism,” emphasizing equitable treatment in environmental policy development, as some communities, like Native Americans in Arizona, face disproportionate challenges, such as limited access to clean drinking water.
“We ask the Arizona Legislature and Governor to take action to target investments in underserved communities that bear a disproportionate burden from climate change and pollution,” the coalition wrote, highlighting the need for targeted support.
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