Arizona Business Leaders and City of Phoenix Mayor Speak Out on Repeal of Clean Energy Tax Credits
Arizona Business Leaders and City of Phoenix Mayor Speak Out on Repeal of Clean Energy Tax Credits
PHOENIX, AZ — A webinar hosted today by Arizona Forward, business leaders from across the state’s clean energy and economic development sectors made it clear: the repeal threatens not only Arizona’s position as a national clean energy hub, but also billions in private investment and thousands of jobs already in motion. Arizona stakeholders are mobilizing to defend the state’s economic progress.
“Arizona has made incredible progress thanks to these incentives”, said Lori Singleton, President and CEO of Arizona Forward. “We’re working to ensure Arizonans understand what’s at stake and why protecting these investments going forward is critically important to our state’s future.”
Since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Arizona has attracted over $58 billion in clean energy and advanced manufacturing investments, fueling innovation and supporting more than 69,000 jobs.
Those gains now face significant risk.
“Phoenix and the entire state of Arizona are home to innovative companies and entrepreneurs who are developing clean energy solutions for a better future. Today’s event underscores the harm to our economy, job growth, infrastructure, and public health that will follow the federal administration’s roll back of common-sense investments,” City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. “From lowering energy costs for families, creating thousands of well-paying jobs, combatting heat and climate change, and modernizing our infrastructure to withstand shocks and stressors, investment in clean energy is crucial to the future of our state and our country.”
The event, titled “Reversing the Clean Energy Tax Credits is a Loss for Arizona Businesses and Arizonans,” featured a panel of industry experts and entrepreneurs sharing the on-the-ground impact of these federal incentives, and how Arizona will be impacted, yet how we pivot if these incentives are eliminated.
Panelists included:
- Joy Seitz, President & CEO, American Solar & Roofing
- Antoine Mistico, Head of Strategy, BreatheEV
- Alyce Neal, Arizona Government Account Executive, Veregy
- David Mills, Partner Engagement Program Manager, National Climate Action Campaign
Together, they stressed the importance of state-level leadership, public-private collaboration, and continued advocacy to protect and expand Arizona’s clean energy economy.
“The Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credit not only helps protect jobs in Arizona, but also keeps energy costs affordable for every citizen” said Alyce Neal, Arizona Government Account Executive of Veregy.“ Lower utility bills free up capital that can be reinvested or saved. Additionally, these incentives ensure predictable energy costs for decades to come. By investing in clean energy and infrastructure, we guarantee that the energy needed for tomorrow’s innovations—including technology like AI—will be available, safeguarding progress for future generations.”
Joy Seitz, President and CEO of American Solar and Roofing shared, “For decades, Arizona has been a leader of solar energy. While the federal changes are going to be impactful, I believe Arizona business and policy leaders will step up to the challenge and continue the work we have done.”
“Arizona’s infusion of capital into clean-energy projects isn’t just about power—it’s about people.” said Maxwell Bregman, CEO of BreatheEV “Every dollar we invest in EV infrastructure multiplies across local supply chains—supporting electricians, manufacturers, engineers, and service technicians—so this transition isn’t just green, it’s growth for Arizona. With evolving federal funding, Arizona’s public and private sectors—already invested in EV and charging infrastructure— have the ability to capitalize on the growing opportunities that exist with an Arizona first focus.”
Margie Alt, Director of the National Climate Action Campaign and a partner with Arizona Forward stated, “This bill is the most anti-environment bill in history. Hundreds of thousands of Americans will lose their jobs. Families will pay higher energy bills. Climate pollution will increase, and kids will struggle with asthma and other respiratory problems, and more people will suffer from devastating extreme weather catastrophes.”
“What we heard today reinforces our shared responsibility to act,” said Singleton. “As Arizona continues to grow, we must work together to develop the solutions that will sustain our communities, economy, and environment for the long term.”
Arizona Forward also extends its gratitude to Arizona’s U.S. Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Ruben Gallego for their continued leadership and commitment to advancing clean energy solutions for our state.