The second discussion of the August Fence Post featured three candidates for the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), with Willmeng Vice President of Economic Development and Infrastructure Jimmy Lindblom leading the conversation. The guests included current ACC member Lea Marquez Peterson, who is running for a second term, and first-time candidates Rachel Walden and Rene Lopez. This Republican trio is running as a slate for the commission in this November’s general election.
All three candidates shared their professional background, while Marquez Peterson and Jimmy shared some information about the role of the ACC and how the work of the ACC greatly effects the commercial real estate and construction industries. A common theme that all three candidates echoed during their remarks was that they were all in favor of an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy generation. Their philosophy is that Arizona needs to explore all energy options—oil and gas, coal, hydroelectric, nuclear, solar, and wind—if utilities or private investors want to pursue those, but not subsidized. All three stated that they are open to utilizing emerging technologies and renewable energy sources, but until those are able to keep up with the ever-increasing demand in our state, we need to continue to use all of the options at hand.
Arizona as an Energy Producer
Some key points that were made during the discussion is that in order for Arizona to continue to be the 49th cheapest energy producer in the U.S., the state must not issue mandates that result in high rates. All three cited California as an example of how government mandates can drive costs and chase businesses out of the state. All three also discussed how some new industries coming to Arizona are requesting clean energy sources for their facilities, and the state has worked hard to keep up with those demands for clean energy while still keeping costs down.
Lindblom and the three candidates also stressed the importance of having ACC members that understand the damage that overregulation on the energy and utility industries can have on the economy. They summed up that sensible and stable governance also helps with the bond rates for utilities. And with stability, more investors are willing to invest in our state, which brings the cost of money down, and energy rates go down.
