Policies don’t reduce greenhouse gas, businesses do
Climate change is real, humans are involved and the only thing worth debating is what to do and how to do it.
Despite the demise of past statewide policies on greenhouse gas, Arizona is a leader in CO2 emissions reductions in the West. And we have the proof.
And this strong performance is merely a prologue to Arizona’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Most recently, with the closure of the Navajo Generating Station in 2019, Arizona has further reduced emissions to the tune of 13.8 million metric tons of CO2, bringing the overall reduction of greenhouse gas to 30% compared to 2008.
Recently, The Arizona Republic published a lengthy paean to the greenhouse gas policy initiatives enacted by previous state and federal administrations. The reporter cited sources who spoke with great admiration of that era when “there was this enormous wave of action” toward policymaking and ruleenacting that, alas, was never implemented.
“And that is the failure,” the Washington-based climate strategist said.
Perhaps it represented a “failure” in the eyes of Washington-based strategists, but the years immediately following the policy-centric era represented some of the best evidence ever produced of the power of private initiative to help improve the environment.
Arizona is achieving real results in greenhouse gas reductions. Today, roughly a third of Arizona’s energy production comes from nonfossil fuel alternative sources: Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, solar plants and hydroelectric plants. In addition, Arizona is ahead of schedule for CO2 emissions reductions. Finally, Arizona’s major utilities have all voluntarily committed to clean energy futures:
● Arizona Public Service (APS) — goal of 100% clean energy by 2050
● Tucson Electric Power (TEP) — goal to deliver 70% renewable power to retail customers by 2035
● Salt River Project (SRP) — goal to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted (per megawatt-hour) by 90% by fiscal year 2050
The best policy strategies revolve around encouraging private sector innovation. That’s why in Arizona, we are partnering with industry and building a strong portfolio in the two largest sources of greenhouse gas, energy and transportation. Arizona’s portfolio includes:
● One of the largest solar parabolic trough plants in the world (Solana)
One of the largest clean electricity generating plants in the world (Palo Verde)
● Electric vehicle manufacturer (Lucid)
● Hydrogen fuel cell truck manufacturer (Nikola)
● Cleaner burning gasoline manufacturer (Nacero)
Is there more to do? Of course — there always is, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to improving Arizona’s environmental quality. Is Arizona a leader in greenhouse gas reductions in the West? Absolutely; and this deserves to be celebrated. While other states can tout policy pronouncements, Arizona has actual progress and results.