Corporation Commissioner proposes ambitious clean energy plan
PHOENIX (AP) - An Arizona utility regulator is proposing a bigger push for more renewable energy in the state.
On Tuesday, Arizona Corporation Commissioner Andy Tobin released his plan to have 80 percent of Arizona's electricity come from clean energy sources by 2050.
The state's current goal is to get to 15 percent by 2025.
Tobin's plan includes nuclear power and biomass as clean sources, which the Arizona Capitol Times reports are not included in the current standards.
It encourages more battery storage, biomass-related fuels, energy efficiency and new infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Although his plan would likely raise costs for utility customers, Tobin argues it could help clean forests which in turn would spare firefighters and property and improve air and water quality.