The Environmental Protection Agency is eliminating its rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
That comes as utilities are looking to increase the number of natural gas plants to meet an unprecedented demand for energy in Arizona.
While there are also plans to expand renewable resources, utilities are increasingly turning toward natural gas as that energy demand continues to rise, in large part due to data centers.
There are about a dozen planned natural gas power projects in Arizona.
The new rule from the EPA would repeal all greenhouse gas emission standards for fossil fuel plants. The Trump administration said fossil fuel plant emissions don’t significantly contribute to dangerous air pollution.
Climate scientists say otherwise. The head of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club, Sandy Bahr, says the move would be irresponsible and result in more “climate-harming pollution.”
The rule change from the EPA is expected to face legal challenges.
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Officials say the new plan is like digging in the "couch cushions" for promises to save Colorado River water, but compensation from the Arizona Water Banking Authority could help reach a larger goal. -
Attorney General Kris Mayes sued to force a rehearing of the data center's energy service contract with Tucson Electric Power, arguing the Arizona Corporation Commission ignored due process and cost-shifting risks to ratepayers. Mayes says the city of Tucson's requests to comment or intervene were ignored by the commission. -
Residents and environmental advocacy groups advocated to quarter the city's water use limit that triggers conversation requirements. Members of the council worried that could raise water bills on essential industries and hurt efforts to bring in jobs. -
Democrats Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill are trying to flip two seats on the all-Republican Arizona Corporation Commission as the face off against incumbent Commissioner Kevin Thompson and state lawmaker Ralph Heap, both Republicans. -
The proposed Marigold Energy Center near Stanfield is set to have a mix of solar, battery and natural gas generation. The Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee held public comment on the proposed plant Monday.
