On August 10, 2005 the Arizona Corporation Commission moved towards increasing the state’s clean energy requirement to 15 percent by 2025. This step toward a binding rule was the result of a series of workshops held by the commission to gain input from interested parties; research such as the Arizona PIRG Education Fund’s “Renewing Arizona’s Economy” report; direct communication with commissioners by the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, utility representatives and our allies; and letters and postcards generated by the Arizona PIRG Education Fund from over 5,000 concerned organizations and citizens.

Diane E. Brown of the Arizona PIRG Education Fund stated, “Requiring 15 percent renewable energy by 2025 coupled with annual plans and compliance reports point Arizona in the direction of more jobs, more economic growth and more energy dollars flowing in state and away from more pollution and adverse public health impacts, such as asthma.”

The Commission is planning to hold public meetings and finalize the rule this spring.