PHOENIX - With Arizona experiencing the fastest population growth in the nation, consumers will face higher energy bills unless the state begins harnessing its solar potential, a state lawmaker said Tuesday.
"As the No. 1 state in the nation, our utilities are struggling to find power to buy for us," Rep. Lucy Mason, R-Prescott, said during Environmental Day at the State Capitol.
The event brought together lawmakers and more than 20 advocacy groups to discuss ways to balance growth and the environment. The discussion centered on energy and transportation but also touched on air quality, wilderness protection and water supplies.
Mason said the challenge of supplying energy to Arizona's growing communities won't stop without action at the state level. She cited two of her bills as ways the state can help.
HB 2493 would provide income tax credits for individuals and corporations using specific energy-saving devices. HB 2496 would encourage schools to become more energy efficient.
"We need to care about our energy usage and minimize impact on this wonderful state," Mason said.
With more than 300 sunny days annually, Arizona has the most potential for solar energy in the country, according to a brochure from the nonprofit organization Environment Arizona. Solar power currently supplies less than 2 percent of Arizona's energy, the group said.
Solar power is a cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to coal and natural gas, said Tina Beattie, Arizona coordinator for the Republicans for Environmental Protection.
"Solar power is a no-brainer for Arizona," Beattie said. "Prices won't get tighter because renewable resources won't run out. Who doesn't want lower energy costs as opposed to dirty and expensive energy?"
People are waking up to the fact that solar energy is long overdue, said Rep. Chad Campbell, D-Phoenix.
"It is ludicrous that we don't focus on solar power in Arizona," said Campbell, who is the sponsor of HB 2593, which would limit the
ability of homeowners associations to prevent residential installation of solar panels.
Reach the reporter at: leah.duran@asu.edu.
