This story was first published capital and main.
When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting watersheds, several ballot votes in some states this year could have a major impact on the transition away from fossil fuels.
The media tends to ignore these races, which draw far fewer voters than larger federal and state elections. But utility executives in Arizona and Nebraska are up for election in the coming months, and the results could change energy policy for millions of Americans.
Elections are coming in the middle of growing concerns On the role of money in races like this and in the wake of headlines. corruption scandal At electric power companies nationwide. Utility fraud and corruption in Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio and South Carolina is costing electric customers at least $6.6 billion, a report said. Analysis by news nonprofit Floodlight„Some utilities are embracing or trying to block the transition from fossil fuels to lower greenhouse gas-emitting wind, solar, hydrogen, and nuclear power,“ the report said.
On April 2, six clean energy candidates won seats on two boards of Congress. salt river project, a nonprofit utility company that provides water and power to more than 2 million people in central Arizona. It is one of the largest public power companies in the country. the critics say It is also one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the western United States, relying on coal, oil, and natural gas for more than two-thirds of its energy. Arizona is the sunniest state in the countryBut what the Salt River Project will gain is 3.4 percent of energy comes from sunlightOverall, it lags behind the state; Earn 10% from your solar power.
Although they didn't win a majority on the board, the new clean energy members could play a bigger role in shaping the energy future of Phoenix, the fifth-largest city in the United States with more than 1.6 million people. The election was controversial due to rules that limited voter eligibility to property owners rather than all ratepayers in the district. It also attracted the attention of prominent environmental activists such as Bill McKibben, leader of the Climate Change Campaign Group. 350.org.
Some current board members have served for decades, thanks to an electoral system established in the early 1900s. At that time, the Valley of the Sun was settled by farmers and ranchers. Allow only property owners to vote Then distribute votes according to area. The more land you own, the more votes you get.
As a result, most utility customers have no say in choosing the leaders of the organizations that set energy rates and decide what energy sources are used to generate electricity.
clean energy champion promise Accelerate the deployment of solar power, adjust rates to incentivize the use of rooftop solar power, and strengthen watershed protection in regions increasingly suffering from drought and extreme heat. In 2023, Phoenix saw record 54 days When the temperature reaches 110 degrees.
„There's a reason we call ourselves the Valley of the Sun,“ said the executive director of the Salt River Project, which supported clean energy candidates and was elected to lower energy bills several years ago. said Randy Miller, who decided to run for office. It has nearly tripled since he installed solar power on the roof of his home. „I couldn't believe it. My neighbor's ASP (Arizona Public Service) district has more than three times as many rooftop solar installations as he does. When prices went up, he completely lost his desire to go solar. We need new leadership on the board.”
Candidates became especially motivated in light of the state board's views. recent decisions is the only country to have taken such steps to repeal renewable energy standards; According to solar industry advocates. That body, the Arizona Corporation Commission, also has an election scheduled for August.
Stephen H. Williams, a longtime board member who beat one of the clean energy candidates, did not return calls from Capital & Main seeking comment.
Current board members running for re-election are distributing fliers touting „a combined 40 years of affordable, reliable power and water,“ making sustainability a top concern. As one of the candidates, he opposed the new candidates. They criticized what they called a „takeover“ attempt. „Ideological extremists“ say the Salt River Project „succeeded in reducing carbon intensity by 35 percent since 2005, even as dramatic growth has occurred in our service area.“ he claimed.
Rebels in the Salt River planning competition had hoped to emulate Nebraska; Clean energy advocates win 3 seats In 2016, in a rural Nebraska public power district. This tilted the balance of power, with the board voting 9-2 in 2021 to aim for net-zero emissions from the utility's power generation by 2050.As a result, the state's other two major power companies have already make a similar pledge In recent years, Nebraska has first Republican-dominated state We are committed to reducing our electricity emissions to virtually zero.
The end result has long been a goal of climate activists and environmental groups like Nebraska Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. Paid money into races in 2018 and 2020. Before that, these races were boring affairs where incumbents ran unopposed.Unprecedented levels of campaign contributions have sparked controversy this year's election cycle, with some state lawmakers I've been recommending it lately To make elections more partisan so voters can better understand each candidate's policies.
„Nebraskas support clean energy,“ but electric utilities don't reflect those values, making voter organizing and education an issue, said Chelsea, deputy director of Nebraska Conservation Voters.・Mr. Johnson explained the recent election results. “You can really make a big impact when you run for these local offices.”