Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) and Arizona Forward hosted a virtual briefing on October 5 to discuss the opportunities associated with Arizona investing in a clean energy economy, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and other federal policies that could positively impact the state.
Representative Greg Stanton (D-AZ) opened the session, with more than 200 attendees, by providing an overview of the proposed infrastructure bills in Congress and the effects climate change is playing on our economy and quality of life, saying “Arizona, and our entire nation needs to invest in infrastructure.” He discussed the vital investment in electric vehicles and renewable energy that will stimulate the economy with new, high paying jobs and local tax revenues and keep the state on track for a clean energy future, continuing on to say, “Everyone at every level everywhere needs to work together.”
Representative Stanton was joined by:
- Todd Brady, Director of Global Public Affairs and Sustainability, Intel Corporation
- J. Drake Hamilton, Senior Director of Science Policy, Fresh Energy
- Elgie Holstein, Senior Director for Strategic Planning, Environmental Defense Fund
- Ryan Evans, Executive Director, Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy
Todd Brady of Intel, highlighted the opportunity for economic growth and job creation via the corporate sector, not only from investments within their own firms but from their respective supply chains, saying, “What I'm hearing from my peers at other companies and what we're hearing from our customers, is not only requesting, but requiring their suppliers to move to 100% renewable energy - what better way to make Arizona even more attractive for business." With many major companies such as GM, Amazon, and Microsoft pledging to be 100% renewable in the near future, Arizona, with a good economic development plan and state policies associated with clean energy, will be an attractive location for new investors, businesses, and revenue.
Ryan Evans with CICE talked about the investment in clean energy and the payoff in return. “Let’s be clear that moving to a clean energy economy costs money. Investments will need to be made but because of the economics of renewable energy and [energy] storage, those investments have a clear and significant ROI,” says Evans. “We’ve seen it in other states and we’ve seen it in Arizona. Not only by investing in a clean energy economy, can you procure more clean energy, but you will develop jobs and tax dollars for your state and local communities.”
Attendees were asked to voice support with the Arizona Federal Delegation for investments in infrastructure and in particular investments that address climate change and promote clean energy jobs through calls, letters, and further outreach to their local policymakers; sharing the message that Arizona is open for business.
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Watch the full discussion here.
