Arizona's Air Quality Crisis: Why Clean Energy is the Answer

Arizona's air quality is in trouble. Harmful pollutants are making it hard for people to breathe. Heatwaves, wildfires, and smog are making life difficult. But there's a solution: clean energy. Most Arizonans want the state to switch to solar and wind power. They believe these are better than fossil fuels. In fact, 75% support solar power, and 59% are for wind power. When it comes to new energy projects, 75% prefer clean energy over new methane gas plants. Why do people want clean energy? Because it means lower electricity bills, more jobs, and a more reliable power grid. But the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) isn't listening. They recently approved plans to expand methane gas, even though most voters want wind, solar, and energy-efficiency measures.Arizonans are also worried about extreme weather. After another year of record heat and bad air quality, they understand that clean energy means cleaner air. They think new wind and solar projects will be better for reducing pollution, protecting health, and addressing climate change. But there's a bigger issue. The ACC is rolling back programs that have helped people save money on their energy bills. This is a step backward, and it's not what the people want. The science is clear: burning fossil fuels makes health problems like asthma and heart disease worse. It's good that Arizona voters understand this and are calling for solutions that will protect their families' health. Every year, the same message comes through: people from all political backgrounds want leaders to support clean energy. It's time for the ACC and other state leaders to listen to the people and make clean energy a priority.