Local opinion: We must stay the course as Arizona’s economic future hinges on clean energy

Steve Zylstra Special to the Arizona Daily Star

Clean energy isn’t just about solar panels and electric vehicles. It’s about empowering people and building healthier, more vibrant communities. Federal investments in Arizona’s clean energy future through the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act are positioning the state as a hub for economic growth and achievement of American dreams.

The economic boom creates ripples that lift up families all across the region. Better-paying jobs mean a family can afford to move into their first home as incentives for private investment made bringing an electric vehicle factory here more attractive. A growing energy industry means someone can realize a lifelong dream of opening a restaurant where workers can eat during their lunch breaks.

Since 2022, federal clean energy incentives in Arizona have contributed more than $11.8 billion in investments and added more than 18,000 jobs to our region through renewable energy companies, electric vehicle factories and hydrogen production facilities. (If you wonder how huge $11.8 billion is, consider it’s more than the combined value of the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns.)

As president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, my mission is to position our state as the fastest-growing technology hub and national center of innovation. These federal incentives have been a game-changer for Arizona’s economy, rivaling the impact of copper’s discovery.

These investments haven’t just been limited to major cities. In rural Arizona communities, $2.16 billion has been spent, and more than 1,100 jobs have been created. Tucson and the state government particularly have welcomed the incentives, recognizing that Southern Arizona has the ideal climate, skilled workforce and desire to become a leading clean energy hub for the nation.

Unfortunately, this funding is at risk as Congress considers repealing clean energy tax credits and undermining local investments. But there is hope. Rep. Juan Ciscomani has supported these incentives, and I encourage him to continue defending these essential contributions toward Southern Arizona’s future.

These investments are far more than just numbers on a balance sheet. They represent real opportunities for Arizona families, businesses and communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. Here is just a sample of what the federal investments in clean energy are doing and plan to do here:

• LG Energy Solutions battery gigafactory in Pinal County, a $5.6 billion project forecast to create more than 3,600 jobs by the time it’s completed in mid-2026.
• Lucid Motors’ factory in Casa Grande, which further cements Arizona’s role as an electric vehicle manufacturing hub.
• Solar for All Arizonans program, which will deploy 61.2 megawatts of solar power, reach more than 11,000 underserved households and provide workforce training for clean energy jobs.
• Fortescue’s $550 million hydrogen production facility in Buckeye, which is expected to be completed in mid-2026 and create more than 2,000 jobs as it drives innovation in clean energy.

Businesses aren’t the only ones to reap the benefits. These investments have improved energy efficiency in public buildings across Arizona, cutting energy costs for both public and private sectors. Further, rebate and tax credit programs have directly benefited more than 20,000 homes, making them more energy efficient while keeping more money in their owners’ wallets.

Arizona’s remarkable economic growth and energy leadership are not accidental. They are the direct result of policies designed to spur investment, innovation and job creation. Sustaining the growth requires bipartisan leadership in Congress to preserve these incentives. We are fortunate that Congressman Ciscomani is working to put what’s good for Arizona ahead of political divisions.

Congress must remain steadfast in supporting these transformative policies. The future of Arizona’s economy — including the livelihoods of Arizonans — depends on it.