Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone (R-AZ) came out strongly against Governor Katie Hobbs' (D-AZ) newly released energy plan this week, arguing it prioritizes the interests of the solar industry over housing, affordability, and everyday Arizonans.
"Hobbs is calling this an all-of-the-above energy plan. It's not," House Majority Carbone said. "It's a solar-heavy political plan that puts green industry insiders ahead of taxpayers."
At the center of Carbone's criticism is the state's plan for using its land. The governor's report calls for expanding utility-scale wind and solar development on state-owned property, including areas close to existing residential communities.
Carbone argued that land could instead be used to address Arizona's housing shortage. According to the Common Sense Institute, land within a 10-mile radius of cities and towns could support up to 200,000 new housing units.
Solar Problems
Additionally, Carbone also raised concerns about the bidding process for solar leases on state land.
He pointed out that nine of the ten solar leases awarded since January 2023 drew only a single bidder, which he said raises questions about whether the state is getting fair market value, money that would otherwise support K-12 education and other trust beneficiaries.
The plan's proposal to install rooftop solar on government buildings and expand green energy contracts also drew criticism. Carbone contended those contracts would funnel taxpayer dollars toward politically connected vendors without delivering meaningful relief to Arizona families on utility or gas costs.
Biggest Issue
On that note, Carbone took particular issue with what he called the plan's biggest gap: gasoline.
He said the report says nothing about rising gas prices, Arizona's boutique fuel blend requirements, or the need for new pipeline and refinery infrastructure, especially as California refineries continue to scale back operations.
"You cannot claim to have an energy plan for Arizona while ignoring gasoline prices, fuel supply, and the infrastructure needed to keep this state moving," Carbone continued.
Governor Hobbs' office has not yet responded publicly to Carbone's criticism. The plan was developed following months of task force meetings and stakeholder input.
For Arizona residents, the dispute reflects tensions the state is already navigating: a tight housing market, rising gas and grocery prices, and questions about how public land and taxpayer dollars are spent.
How lawmakers and the governor resolve those disagreements could shape energy costs and housing availability for years to come.
