Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Phoenix Kate Gallego joined the Governor’s new Director of Resiliency, Maren Mahoney, and other specialists in clean energy at an event sponsored by the Arizona Technology Council that touted the federal government investments in sustainability programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
These pieces of legislation have resulted in the growth a modern Twenty First Century clean energy economy, including more green collar jobs and businesses in the Grand Canyon State and improved the efforts to reduce pollution and the perils of extreme heat in Arizona.
Currently, according to the Governor and Mayor at the event, there are 60,000 Green Collar jobs in the state with a projected additional 82,000 over the next five years.
In comments reported by a Technology Council Press Release, Governor Hobbs stated:
“Our state is committed to building a more resilient and prosperous clean energy future for all. That’s why we established the Office of Resiliency — to help reverse the dire impacts of extreme weather events like drought, dangerous heat, wildfires, and flooding. These federal laws provide essential resources to make true headway in our climate mitigation efforts while also distributing a wave of economic benefits for Arizona families and businesses…“Through these programs, low- and moderate-income families can receive up to $14,000 per household to lower the cost of switching to efficient electric appliances. As we continue to rise to the challenges of addressing climate change and reducing pollution, we are demonstrating what’s possible, thanks to these historic federal investments in clean energy.”
Mayor Gallego added:
“I extend my sincere gratitude to the Biden administration and our congressional leaders for their hard work in delivering these pivotal federal investments to develop Phoenix’s clean energy initiatives. Their dedication has empowered us to enhance our drive towards making these clean energy investments accessible for all households and businesses across our city.”
She also said that because of the two pieces of federal legislation, local residents would be able to “install solar or to purchase electric vehicles” thanks in part to tax credits/rebates and incentive payments for homebuyers to install solar panels on rooftops (including those in low income communities) and the Route to Relief program through Maricopa County Community Colleges which helps training electric vehicle auto mechanics and construction for free.
Mayor Gallego finished by stating that the Community Pollution Reduction Grants will help Phoenix accomplish its goals of reducing emissions and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
Later on social media, the Mayor posted:
Director Mahoney commented:
“The Governor’s Office of Resiliency is deeply committed to making Arizona a stronger, more resilient state. Our active pursuit of programs like the HOMES Rebate and High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate, which will bring nearly $153 million in funding to our communities, demonstrates this commitment.”
Bianca Buliga, the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Arizona Technology Council, offered:
“By prioritizing these significant federal investments, Arizona is leading in clean energy production, creating high-paying local jobs and driving a major sector of our economy…This commitment is not only curbing harmful air pollution but also fostering a dynamic clean energy workforce. As Arizona emerges as an innovation hub, we foresee accelerated growth in the clean energy sector, leading to a more resilient economy and a brighter, more sustainable future for all Arizonans.”