Here in Arizona, no monopoly utility looms as large as Arizona Public Service (APS). Millions of residents and businesses rely on APS for electricity — yet instead of honoring that responsibility with a clean-energy future, the utility has scrapped its pledge and doubled down on fossil gas.

In 2020, APS promised 45% renewable power by 2030 and 100% carbon-free by 2050, even vowing to stop building new gas plants. We were skeptical, given its history of spending millions to defeat clean-energy candidates and ballot measures. And now, our doubts are confirmed: APS has reversed course, investing in a new gas pipeline and abandoning its “firm commitment” to renewables.

One week later, the Republican-controlled Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) rep, in lockstep with APS, voted to repeal our state’s Renewable Energy Standard (REST). Since 2006, REST has driven more than $12 billion in clean-energy investment, cut emissions, created thousands of good-paying jobs, and—by reducing pollution—saved lives.

The International Energy Agency has declared solar the cheapest form of electricity in history, yet APS and the ACC are choosing fossil fuels, sacrificing Arizona’s children and grandchildren for short-term profits.

Meanwhile, APS is seeking another rate hike from the ACC, even after its parent company Pinnacle West raked in $600 million in profits in 2024. Rates will have jumped 30% in just three years. Families are paying more for dirtier energy, while Arizona endures record heat and 608 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County alone last year. These aren’t statistics; they are our neighbors, grandparents, and friends.

Elections have consequences. Utility money is corrupting our climate response, and fossil-fueled politicians are siding with monopoly utilities over Arizona families. We must elect leaders who will hold utilities accountable, accelerate clean energy, and secure a livable future for the next generation.

Our climate cannot wait. Neither can we.

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