In a contentious political landscape, Arizona’s energy policies have sparked an intense debate among Republican candidates seeking election to the Arizona Corporation Commission. As the state grapples with energy challenges, the future of coal power plants, particularly the Cholla plant, has become a focal point of the conversation.
Incumbent commissioners Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers are running for re-election, emphasizing their commitment to conservative values by asserting “promises made, promises kept.” However, they face criticism from the far-right, supported by former President Donald Trump, for not doing enough to preserve coal energy in Arizona.
Debate Over Cholla Plant
President Trump has been vocal about his desire to revive the nation’s coal industry, urging efforts to reopen coal plants, including the Cholla plant in Arizona. “To that end, I’m also instructing Secretary (of Energy Chris) Wright to save the Cholla coal plant in Arizona, which has been slated for destruction,” Trump stated last spring.
Arizona Public Service (APS) had previously closed the Cholla plant due to its inability to comply with federal emissions standards. This decision resonated with many Republican voters, causing frustration and confusion over the plant’s closure.
Jan Shank, vice president of the Sun City Grand Republican Club, expressed the sentiment of many: “Most people have come up to me about the Cholla project. That’s driven everybody crazy, because they don’t understand why it was closed and why we can’t bring it back.”
Economic Viability and Energy Transition
Thompson and Myers argue that reopening Cholla as a coal plant is financially untenable. APS estimates that compliance with federal pollution standards would cost nearly $2 billion. “The math don’t math,” Thompson explained, highlighting the financial burden it would place on ratepayers.
The commissioners have been discussing alternatives with APS, including converting Cholla into a natural gas facility, a plan supported by Trump allies such as Congressman Eli Crane and Congressman Andy Biggs.
Political Implications
The debate over coal power and energy policy plays a significant role in the upcoming GOP primary. Republican state lawmaker Ralph Heap has centered his campaign around Trump’s position on Cholla, criticizing Thompson and Myers for coal’s decline in Arizona.
Heap contends that coal provides essential base load power and warns against closing coal plants without viable replacements. Despite coal’s decreased role in Arizona’s energy mix, Heap accuses the incumbents of aligning with the “Green New Deal,” a term used to describe pro-renewable energy policies.
Energy Policy and Future Directions
Thompson and Myers advocate for an “all of the above” energy strategy, supporting a diverse mix of gas, nuclear, and renewable sources. However, critics argue that their leadership undermines renewable energy initiatives.
Myers addressed the criticism: “It’s hilarious that on one side of the political aisle we are accused of being anti-solar and anti-renewable, right? On the other side, we’re being accused of being pro solar and pro renewable.”
The outcome of the election will be decided by Republican voters, who will determine which candidates best represent their energy priorities and values.
