Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes wants Arizona regulators to reconsider a decision to repeal renewable energy requirements for most of the state’s utilities.
The Arizona Corporation Commission voted earlier this month to roll back the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff, or REST, rules that required regulated utilities like Arizona Public Service and Tucson Electric Power to obtain at least 15% of their electricity from renewable sources.
The all-Republican commission voted to abandon the rules, arguing they amount to a subsidy for the renewable energy industry that unfairly burdens Arizona ratepayers.
Regulators first adopted the requirements two decades ago when Mayes, then a Republican, served on the commission.
The Attorney General’s Office filed an application asking for a rehearing on the issue.
Mayes argued the commission began the process to repeal the rules before completing a required analysis that looks at the economic impact of the decision, including the costs and benefits to residents and businesses.
“Arizonans never got the chance to review the completed analysis or comment on it before the commission voted — completely undermining meaningful public participation in the process,” Mayes said in a statement. “We're asking the Commission to follow its own rules and comply with its own rulemaking procedures.”
The Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter also filed a request for rehearing, making similar arguments.
The commission has 30 days to respond.
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