State of Arizona Archives: on Energy & Oil

Ann Kirkpatrick: Some government action for climate change

Q: On Climate Change: Believe that human activity is the major factor driving climate change?

Kirkpatrick: Yes

McCain: Clear acknowledgement in the past, but more recently has questioned. Also voted against amendment stating that human activity causes climate change.

Q: On Climate Change: Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere?

Kirkpatrick: Mixed. Supported some, but opposed Obama's Clean Power Plan and sought to delay new ozone standards. Acknowledges need to fight climate change and reduce carbon footprint, but environmental record mixed--wary of efforts she says could harm local economies or keep us dependent on foreign oil.

McCain: Previously yes, currently no. Voted to overturn Obama's Clean Power Plan, delay ozone standard, and prohibit carbon tax.

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Arizona Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Blake Masters: We need diverse energy, from fossil fuels to nuclear

The last thing we want is to be "low energy." We need a diverse and robust portfolio of energy production-- everything from fossil fuels and fracking to renewables like geothermal and nuclear energy. Source: 2021 Arizona Senate campaign website BlakeMasters.com Jul 19, 2021

David Garcia: Make solar a priority

Garcia called for attention to renewable energy and climate. He said Arizona must make solar a priority as its economic energy driver and re-train those working in the coal industry for solar jobs. Source: Fountain Hills Times on 2018 Arizona gubernatorial race Nov 18, 2017

David Garcia: Climate change is a real & urgent threat

Q: Is climate change a serious threat, and should government respond to that threat? Stand on Proposition 127, which requires utilities to produce 50% of energy from renewables by 2030.

Doug Ducey (R): Unclear. In 2015 said skeptical that it's human caused. More recently said he's convinced that it is. Undercut Prop 127 by signing bill that minimizes fines on utilities for not complying if it passes.

David Garcia (D): Yes. Real & urgent threat. Politicians doing nothing are putting all Arizonans at risk, while ignoring "an enormous economic opportunity to make Arizona the nation's leader in solar energy."

Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?

Ducey: No. Allowed utilities to avoid major penalties for not producing renewable energy under Prop 127.

Garcia: Yes. Supports Prop 127 to require 50% of energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Arizona Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Debbie Lesko: Most of global warming is not caused by humans

The host asked, "2016 was earth's hottest year on record; 2017 was the 2nd hottest; 9 of the 10 hottest years in Phoenix have happened since 2002. Show of hands--do you believe in human-caused climate change?"

Not a single Republican hand went up. Both Democrats raised their hands. Lesko answered, "Is some of it, maybe, human-caused? Possibly. But certainly not the majority of it. I think it just goes through cycles and it has to do a lot with the sun. So no, I'm not a global warming proponent."

Source: Arizona Republic on 2018 Arizona 8th District House race Jan 30, 2018

Deedra Abboud: Prioritize green energy

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?

A: Strongly Support

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Arizona Senate candidate Mar 5, 2018

Doug Ducey: Moratorium on new regulations; and review all existing ones

Last week, I signed an order placing a moratorium on new regulations in the executive branch. It was a good beginning, but only a beginning.

There is also the matter of many state regulations already in place, often for reasons that nobody even remembers. Our small businesses have to deal with all these little rules all the time, just because they're on the books and nobody's bothered to change them.

I'm instructing the directors of every agency to conduct a top-to-bottom review of regulations, and then to send me a list of all the ones we can do without. It's likely to be a long list. Wherever we find any regulation that is outdated, irrational, unfair, or destructive to free and honest enterprise in Arizona--that regulation will be gone.

While they're at it, agency directors will also be reducing timeframes for permits and licenses. Our government needs to operate at the speed of business. And we have a Regulatory Review Council that's stacked with lobbyists?

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Arizona Legislature Jan 12, 2015

Doug Ducey: Opposed Prop 127: no to utilities producing renewable energy

Q: Is climate change a serious threat, and should government respond to that threat? Stand on Proposition 127, which requires utilities to produce 50% of energy from renewables by 2030.

Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?

Ducey: No. Allowed utilities to avoid major penalties for not producing renewable energy under Prop 127.

Garcia: Yes. Supports Prop 127 to require 50% of energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Source: CampusElect 2018: Arizona legislative voting records Oct 9, 2018

Doug Marks: Fiscal irresponsibility to prop up green energy

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?

A: No, it is a fiscal irresponsibility to prop this industry up with the sweat and labor of the citizens

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Arizona Senate candidate Mar 5, 2018

Fred DuVal: Capitalize on the growth of solar energy

Arizona has the perfect conditions to capitalize on the growth of solar energy. We have started to make the right policy decisions to take advantage of these opportunities, but they need to be pursued fully. We will retrofit state facilities with solar panels and wind turbines, and utilize compressed natural gas in state vehicles. We will bring clean energy technology up to scale by creating private-public partnerships including with the U.S. Department of Energy. Source: 2014 Arizona gubernatorial campaign website, Fred2014.com Jul 2, 2014

George W. Bush: Encourage oil exploration and more natural gas

Q: What would you do to get the price of oil down again? A: I would encourage exploration. It's a matter of supply & demand. I would keep plans in place to say to our drillers we want you to continue exploring. I also have got great hope for the natural gas business, which is immune to OPEC and hemispheric in nature. The natural gas business is finally recovering from the foolish ways of the Jimmy Carter era when they tried to nationalize in essence the natural gas business with price fixing and demand. Source: Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate Dec 7, 1999

George W. Bush: Wean from oil, via electric deregulation & natural gas

I did something in Texas and that's decontrol our electricity system, to invite a different type of demand into the equation into Texas. In other words, you're focusing on the supply side, I think we need to wean ourselves off of foreign oil and rely upon other products and in my state of Texas we're doing that. We've got a huge demand for natural gas, which as you know is immune from OPEC and immune from overseas pricing controls. Source: Phoenix Arizona GOP Debate Dec 7, 1999

Jan Brewer: Bring top solar manufacturers to Arizona with tax incentives

We celebrate significant progress in establishing our foothold in the solar industry, and in advancing our competitive position in the national and global economy. Our goal is to land the top solar manufacturers in the world and we are well on our way.

I have been meeting with other large-scale manufacturers who want to come to Arizona. We can leverage our natural assets like our plentiful sunshine and land, as well as our employee base and educational community, to attract new and better jobs every day. Just as we see here today, material suppliers want to locate near-by such large manufacturers. That is sure to draw additional companies--and jobs--to Arizona.

Source: Arizona 2010 State of the State Address Jan 11, 2010

Jane Dee Hull: Supports cleaner burning fuels

We must do something to address cleaner burning fuels, particularly diesel. I know many in the transport industry are opposed to new fuel standards. I have a challenge for that industry: join with us to find a cheaper, cleaner and more effective solution. The health of our citizens depends on it. Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature Jan 8, 2001

Jeff Flake: Opposes EPA coal plant emission rule changes

Queried about what they would do for rural Arizona, Flake blasted the emission rule changes proposed by the EPA intended to reduce haze at national parks, which would force coal plants to install new emissions controls costing more than $1.1 billion. The changes could result in the closure of the coal-fired power plant, Flake said. "Shutting down the Navajo Generating Station will be devastating" and cost thousands of jobs, he said, noting that he urged the EPA to "slow down, let's talk about this." Source: Yuma Sun on 2012 Arizona "Rural Issues" Senate debate Oct 25, 2012

Jim Lamon: When facts are laid out, it's clear coal is not coming back

The CEO of Depcom Power spent decades constructing the coal-fired power plants Trump likes to tout. But Lamon saw that coal's future was bleak, and he switched to building solar power plants. The Trump Administration is weighing a tariff on solar panel imports. A defeat for solar imports would likely be only a pyrrhic victory for the Trump Administration. "We want American energy dominance," says Lamon. But "when the facts are laid out, it's kind of comes to light why coal is not coming back." Source: Time Magazine on 2022 Arizona Senate race Jul 1, 2021

Jim Lamon: Close the Department of Energy, eliminate bureaucratic drag

Secure Energy Dominance: I stand for an energy strategy to insure the lowest cost and highest security to our nation.
Close the Department of Energy.
Eliminate the bureaucratic drag from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Land Management and Forestry Service.
Transfer permitting for projects to the States where the entity is to be constructed.
Move to the Texas model of deregulated electrical grids.

Source: 2022 Arizona Senate campaign website JimLamon.com Apr 20, 2022

John McCain: Dramatic Arctic changes might be man-made; might be natural

Q: On Climate Change: Believe that human activity is the major factor driving climate change?

Kirkpatrick: Yes

McCain: Clear acknowledgement in the past, but more recently has questioned. Historically strong support for addressing man-made climate change, but recently raised doubts, saying "There are dramatic environmental changes happening in the Arctic region--whether one believes they are man-made or natural." Also voted against amendment stating that human activity causes climate change.

Q: On Climate Change: Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere?

Kirkpatrick: Mixed. Supported some, but opposed Obama's Clean Power Plan and sought to delay new ozone standards.

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Arizona Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Justin Olson: Opposed boosting renewable energy as too costly

Arizona's utility regulators have rejected new rules that would have drastically boosted the use of renewable energy for the second time in a year, drawing sharp reaction from clean energy advocates who said the decision leaves the state far behind what is needed to address climate change. Olson said he opposed the new rules because they could cost ratepayers at the state's two largest utilities more than $5 billion, pointing to a report prepared for the commission. Source: U.S. News on 2022 Arizona Senate race Jan 26, 2022

Justin Olson: Enact policies that don't negatively affect the economy

[Asked about climate change], Olson acknowledged the existence of a global climate crisis. When asked if humans contribute to the changing climate, Olson said it was a question for scientists to answer. Policymakers, he said, should focus on enacting policies that don't negatively affect the economy. Source: The Arizona Republic on 2022 Arizona Senate race Oct 13, 2021

Katie Hobbs: Climate change has an impact on every aspect of our lives

Hobbs wants to see the state become a contender when it comes to green energy. "We have hotter and dryer summers, prolonged drought, increasing wildfires and we need to acknowledge that climate change has an impact on every aspect of our lives and economy," Hobbs said. Source: KTAR on 2022 Arizona Gubernatorial race Oct 1, 2021

Kelli Ward: Research sustainable energy, but current energy sources too

Dr. Wards believes it is crucial for Arizona's long term viability to develop alternative energy sources while keeping current energy sources affordable.

Allow domestic energy development
Fight for AZ's uranium industry
Research sustainable energy sources including solar, wind, and nuclear

Source: 2012 Arizona State Senate campaign website, DrKelliWard.com Nov 1, 2012

Kyrsten Sinema: Opposes carbon tax but supports renewable energy

Q: Climate Change: Consider climate change a serious threat?

Martha McSally (R): Unclear how serious a threat she considers. Says climate is changing, & that humans have played a role. But also voted to end Defense Dept assessments of climate-related threats to military installations & operations.

Kyrsten Sinema (D): Yes. "Our climate is changing & human activity is contributing." Voted for continued assessment of threat.

Q: Clean Power: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases?

McSally: No. Opposed Obama Clean Power plan, citing impact on Apache generating station. Voted against the potential carbon tax in 2018.

Sinema: Mixed. Supports limits & opposed condemning Obama Clean Power plan, but raised issues about impact on Apache & opposed potential carbon tax.

Q: Renewable Energy: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?

McSally: Unclear. Supports new technologies, but led by private sector.

Sinema: Yes. Supports government funding to develop renewable energy.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Arizona Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Mark Brnovich: We've got to prioritize energy independence

We've got to prioritize energy independence. You don't want to have a second thought when you need to put gas in your car. Countries shouldn't have leverage on us when it comes to the stability of our energy resources. Source: 2021 Arizona Senate campaign website BrnoForAZ.com Jul 20, 2021

Mark Brnovich: Challenged carbon regulations as "back door Green New Deal"

Challenged Biden Administration's regulatory carbon policy - a back door Green New Deal. The policy requires regulations to be implemented or removed based on the "social costs of carbon", which would prohibit good rules and necessitate horrific ones. Source: 2022 Arizona Senate campaign website KellyForAK.com Jan 5, 2022

Mark Kelly: Trump withdrawal from Paris Accords sets back U.S. progress

This year has been an unequivocal disaster for the future of the planet. President Donald Trump has managed to take a wrecking ball to years' worth of hard work and painstaking negotiations. If not undone, our retreat from the Paris Climate Accords and the EPA's Clean Power Plan alone mean our planet's temperature will rise at a greater rate and our citizen's health will degrade. Other changes in environmental regulations on drilling and auto and appliance efficiency will only make matters worse. Source: CNN coverage/(OpEd by candidate) on 2020 Arizona Senate race Dec 27, 2017

Mark Kelly: Support massive investment developing renewable technologies

Left unchecked, climate change poses a threat to Arizona's economy and our way of life. As one of the nation's leading producers of renewable energy, this is also an opportunity for Arizona. The sector already employs 10,500 people in the state. We can triple that number, but only by making massive investments in research and development of technologies that make renewable energy more competitive and accelerate the transition to a renewable economy. Source: 2020 Arizona Senate campaign website MarkKelly.com Jan 15, 2020

Mark Kelly: We've got to get on to more renewable energy, like solar

On renewables: "We've gotta get off fossil fuels. We've gone from 240 to 415 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere since the beginning of the industrial revolution, and we've got to tackle this," Kelly said. "What that means is, we've got to get on to more renewable energy, like solar, which could be a good thing here in Arizona. It could be good-paying jobs. So, we could be on the winning side of this if we choose to do that." Source: Arizona Republic on 2020 Arizona Senate debate Oct 6, 2020

Mark Kelly: Develop renewable energy, but not for Green New Deal

On Green New Deal: "If we address this now and put more money into research, development of technology, battery technologies, solar, wind, renewable energy, we can start to level off the amount of carbon that we're putting into the atmosphere, that's going to be good for the planet. It's also going to be good for the economy," he told The Arizona Republic's podcast, expressing hope for bipartisan policies on climate change. Kelly also told the hosts he is "not in favor of the Green New Deal." Source: Environment & Energy News on 2020 Arizona Senate race Jan 28, 2020

Martha McSally: Take advantage of newly discovered oil & gas in America

I support a real "all of the above" energy strategy that takes advantage of the newly discovered oil and gas in America, puts us on a real path to energy independence, and brings the price of gas and electricity down. Source: 2014 Arizona House campaign website, McSallyForCongress.com Nov 4, 2014

Martha McSally: Opposed Clean Power plan & climate assessments