Energy Solutions News

ENVIRONMENT ARIZONA REPORT CALLS FOR MORE ACTION
AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL

Arizona rated a “rising star” for its leadership to increase renewable energy and save energy, according to a report released today by Environment Arizona.

“Arizona is rising to our nation’s energy challenge by taking action to reduce energy consumption and promote clean renewable energy,” said Erik Magnuson of Environment Arizona.  “While Arizona can and should do even more to meet our energy challenges, decision makers including the Governor, the Arizona Corporation Commission, and the Arizona Legislature deserve credit for helping to lead the nation on a path towards energy independence.  We urge members of Congress and the Bush Administration to follow the lead of Arizona and other states and pass a strong energy bill that saves energy, saves oil and moves America forward to a new energy future.” 

Environment Arizona looked at five areas of cutting-edge clean energy policy adopted by the state governments: renewable electricity standards, the Clean Cars Program, utility energy efficiency programs, energy efficiency standards for appliances, and building energy codes. 

“Arizona has adopted a number of measures including the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff that are moving our state in the right direction. We are now in a position to see the market for residential and commercial solar systems grow. State action this session will help Arizona become even more of a leader when it comes to solar energy,” said Michael Neary of the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association.

“Central station renewable energy offers a strong option for meeting our energy needs.  For Arizona, solar central station (both electric and thermal) is critical. Solar energy is clearly our primary natural resource, and a healthy mix of electric and thermal offers greater flexibility and reduced risk,” added Valerie Rauluk of Venture Catalyst Inc.

A number of states, including Arizona, were spotlighted for special recognition in the report. Arizona earned a “rising star” status while other states with more aggressive policies earned “gold” and “silver” star ratings. 

•    Arizona is one of nine states – Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Wisconsin – highlighted as “rising star” clean energy states in recognition of their strong recent actions to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy.

•    Renewable electricity standards already adopted by 25 states and the district of Columbia would reduce global warming pollution by about 2 percent of current levels, the equivalent of taking more than 21 million cars off the road and would generate enough power to meet more than 5 percent of America’s current power needs. Arizona’s renewable energy standard is strong (15% by 2025) and includes a 30% carve out for distributed generation technologies like rooftop solar power.

•    Appliance efficiency standards adopted by 12 states since 2002 led to the federal government adopting some of these standards.  The state standards combined with the federal standards leveraged by the state action, will reduce U.S. carbon dioxide emissions by about 1 percent of current levels, the equivalent of taking nearly 12 million cars off the road.  And, they will save enough energy to meet about 2 percent of U.S. electricity consumption in 2005 or enough to power 7.4 million American homes.

“Arizona has passed energy efficiency policies that will save consumers and businesses money, water, and energy. Now the state is poised to do even more to help Arizonans keep their energy costs down and protect their environment through energy efficiency,” said Jeff Schlegel of the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.

Magnuson closed by saying “Our state and our nation have the opportunity to become a true leader on clean energy issues. We look forward to working with decision makers to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources like solar power.”