A new report commissioned by Gov. Katie Hobbs calls for policymakers to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and renew permitting processes for alternative energy projects in the state.

Arizona's Energy Promise has received rare support from interests often at odds. The task force for the agreement brought together business leaders, utility executives, consumer advocates and academics to chart an energy future for the state.

In a rare instance of cooperation, said Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, the task force made 31 energy policy recommendations to the governor.

"Key components centered around maintaining reliability, increasing affordability and expanding the clean-energy economy in our state," she said.

Other recommendations included creating a policy framework for large energy consumers such as data centers and creating new rules to protect Arizona residents from undue rate hikes. They are non-binding, but officials are now working with local governments to figure out how to implement recommendations that have widespread support.

Beyond securing Arizona's energy future, Brown said, the task force is also finding ways to give Arizona a competitive advantage in the alternative-energy sector in several areas.

"More solar and wind," she said, "as well as geothermal, to the energy mix for our state."

The task force will also work to cut red tape for alternative energy projects on state trust land and engage with Arizona's Tribal leaders.

Source: Public News Service