Inside Clean Energy: Arizona’s Net-Zero Plan Unites Democrats and Republicans

A saguaro cactus is seen against the blue sky in Saguaro National Park, Arizona. Despite rich solar resources, Arizona’s policies have often been unfriendly to solar power. But that’s changing with the adoption of a statewide plan to get to 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2050. Credit: Epics/Getty Images Inside Clean Energy Arizona is showing the rest of the country how to set the terms for a transition to clean energy that is substantial and nonpartisan. Considering that the state is controlled by Republicans and was known until recently for the way its largest utility, Arizona Public Service, was willing to go to great lengths to oppose progress, that fact in itself is incredible. With a 4 to 1 vote last week , the Arizona Corporation Commission approved a plan requiring regulated utilities in the state to move to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050. The plan includes interim targets of 50 percent carbon-free energy by 2032, and 75 percent by 2040. The vote was a capstone of sorts for Bob Burns, a Republican, the commission chairman, who, because of term limits, will leave office at the end of this year. "I’m about done. I’m a short-timer. I’m a […]

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