FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Bill to Prevent California-Style Blackouts During Arizona's
Scorching Summer Months Passes Senate Committee
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senator Frank Carroll is working to ensure Arizonans have a reliable power supply during the scorching summer months in the desert and the freezing winter months in the high country with legislation to prevent California-style blackouts from occurring in the Grand Canyon State. SB 1309 passed the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water today with only Republican support.
Across the nation, solar and wind power are gradually replacing electricity produced from coal, natural gas, and oil. Solar and wind are generally considered less reliable power sources because their output is not guaranteed and is dependent on weather factors like abundant sunshine or increased wind speeds. These uncontrollable fluctuations in atmospheric conditions can make it difficult to consistently meet power demands. California is a prime example, as most residents in this state expect to endure multiple blackouts each summer. Thousands suffered in Los Angeles County last September without power during a sweltering heat wave.
SB 1309, sponsored by Senator Carroll, requires the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) to ensure that any changes made to an electric power grid are capable of producing enough electricity to meet the demand for power in the summer and winter months. The bill also requires a power generation resource mix that avoids both blackouts and brownouts unrelated to severe weather conditions or power quality incidents. Additionally, the ACC must ensure that if an electric generation plant is retired, its replacement must be capable of providing the same reliable power service to customers.
"Because radical Democrats have adopted an extremist environmental agenda, Americans are suffering the consequences during preventable power outages that are endangering lives in the middle of heat waves and dramatic cold spells," said Senator Carroll. "Could you imagine if residents in Metro Phoenix experienced a long-lasting power outage when temperatures surge past 110 degrees for days on end? I sponsored SB 1309 to prevent the chaos associated with blackouts, as we've seen in states like California, when dangerous green agendas are adopted. We all want a cleaner environment, but not at the potential cost of human life. This commonsense measure will ensure Arizonans' air conditioners, heaters, lights, and other basic necessities have the power to operate when we need them to."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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