With Arizona’s population on the rise comes increasing demand for energy pushing against diminishing supply. Even after Arizona hits its goal of 1.1 per cent clean renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, by 2007, we are still left with the vast majority of our energy produced and consumed in a way that stunts our economic potential and damages public health.

Fortunately, Rep. Lucy Mason of Prescott worked diligently and tirelessly this past session to champion legislation for Arizona to chart our own path toward efficient use, clean sources and energy independence.

H2390, signed into law on April 25, sets minimum energy efficiency standards on 12 products not currently covered by federal energy efficiency standards. According to Rep. Mason, “This legislation is a win-win proposition for Arizona businesses, consumers and the environment. These energy efficient products are estimated to save businesses and consumers in Arizona more than $680 million on their energy bills. At the same time, the products will reduce water consumption in Arizona by over 15 billion gallons during 2008-2020.” In addition, the energy savings from this legislation will avoid the need for a new power plant.

Despite several iterations, H2374 (later S1380) unfortunately did not make its way to the Governor’s desk. As originally introduced, this legislation would have represented a significant step forward to advance the deployment of solar technologies in Arizona on State facilities, businesses and residences. H2374 provided a solar energy tax credit designed to encourage installation of solar energy devices on properties located in Arizona.

The reminder of last summer’s blackouts remind us that energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to save energy and money, and reduce pollution. We commend the Legislature and Governor Napolitano for adopting energy efficient appliance standards. However, in order to move down a clean energy path that takes advantage of Arizona’s homegrown resources and provides a more stable energy supply, improves rural economies, gives us more energy independence and protects public health we need to enact legislation that aids in the deployment of solar technologies throughout Arizona.

We look forward to working with the Legislature and the Governor’s office to make that happen next session.

Diane E. Brown is the executive director of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group (Arizona PIRG). The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) and Arizona PIRG were the lead organizations on energy efficiency legislation that was also supported by Southwest Gas, Salt River Project, Tucson Electric Power, Arizona Corporation Commissioners Jeff Hatch-Miller, Kris Mayes, Bill Mundell and March Spitzer, among others.

The Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA) was the lead organization on legislation for solar incentives.