Request to Speak Action: Say no to utility monopolies

The Arizona state legislature is back in session.  On Tuesday HB2101 will be heard in the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee. The point of the bill is to allow changes to the public policy of the state of Arizona from one of competition to a monopoly for the utilities that already serve a particular area. Customers will have no choice on their utility – if they don’t agree with its policies regarding transitioning to clean energy or rate increases.

Please, sign into Request to Speak system and express your opposition for this bill.

HB2101 - electric energy; reliability; public policy – Sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin

Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee – Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022

This bill changes the Arizona Constitution that encourages competition and hands over the keys to existing utilities who already aren't factoring in the needs of their constituents.

Also… on the docket for the same committee meeting and worthy of comments in opposition are HB2126, which would eliminate the public comment period and legislative review of changes in hazardous waste disposal fees putting too much power in the hands of an appointed director and HB2055, which would allow utilities to pump groundwater from the Harquahala non-expansion area.

DIRECTIONS FOR REQUEST TO SPEAK ACTIONS

Sign On to your Request to Speak account, click the blue Request to Speak button, click on New Request in the nav bar (left column), then simply cut and paste the bill number into Search Phrase (for example:SB1150). Push blue Add Request button, weigh in FOR or AGAINST, click No on Do you wish to speak? (in person), leave a short Comment, and click on SUBMIT. For another submission, click on the New Request link in the nav bar on the left and follow the directions above. 

If you had an account with RTS previously, it is still active. If you do not have an account, go ahead and set one up, but someone will have to help you activate it as it requires going to the Capitol. Reach out to Civic Engagement Beyond Voting.

Tell Gov. Ducey & Your State Reps: No Monopolies for Utilities

Ask Gov. Ducey To Veto Power Grab By Monopoly Utilities!

HB2686 building permits; utilities; restrictions; prohibitions (Bowers) is being promoted by Southwest Gas to prohibit action by local government to limit extension of gas lines in areas for new construction and limit gas hookups in new construction. The bill is now on the Governor's desk.

We need strong local democracy that is responsive to protecting citizens. HB2686 restricts the ability of local governments to best meet the needs of their residents. The one size fits all approach proposed by HB2686 limits cities’ and counties’ ability to pursue policies that protect our health and put financial resources back in the hands of local families and businesses.

Building codes that emphasize energy efficiency and appliance standards have consistently saved individuals and families money. The Rocky Mountain Institute found that the upfront costs for new fully electric buildings are as much as 30 percent cheaper than a combination of electricity and natural gas, even in cold climates, such as northern Arizona.

Please support local communities in protecting the health of their residents and ask Governor Ducey to veto HB268

Find Sierra Club Action here. 

MORE INFO:
http://arizonadailystar.az.newsmemory.com/?publink=1c83aa47e

Our voices, Our vote for the Arizona Corporation Commission!

Some Arizona Legislators think that the people of Arizona should no longer be able to elect candidates to the Arizona Corporation Commission, the entity that regulates monopoly utilities. They want us to instead agree to allow the Governor to appoint those positions. Please contact your House members today and ask them to vote NO on HCR2041

Click here to find your district

Use that district to find your House Reps.

MORE INFO:

An appointed Corporation Commission would be more corruptible than an elected one

Weigh in @State Legislature's online Request to Speak System. 

At 11:30 AM Tuesday, February 25th, the Senate Committee on Appropriations at  will consider a strike everything on a energy, consumer protection.

SCR1010 bond elections; technical correction (Gowan) will have a strike-everything added on energy; consumer protection. The striker would refer to the ballot a constitutional amendment to limit cost recovery for renewable energy and electric vehicle charging stations. Clearly the Arizona Legislature is interested in getting in the way of progress on clean renewable energy, including that generated on your rooftop. OPPOSE.

If you are signed up for the Request to Speak, login in here. 

If not, find the directions for signing up and navigating the system here.  

There will be future opportunities to weigh in on bills while they are in committee. Check back on Desktop Activist Tucson for more Request to Speak Actions.