Rene Lopez

Environment / Energy Recently, the current federal administration’s policy is causing increased cost of coal and natural gas that has caused major increases in the utility rates we are paying across the country. Along with the wasteful use of Colorado River water by California, we have lost approximately 40% of our hydro generating capacity from Hoover Dam. I will work to ensure that only necessary costs of operations, maintenance and cost-effective reliable sources of energy are passed onto the rate payers. Environment / Energy For variable energy production, which is used to meet peaking and supplemental energy demands, I see natural gas and solar as the two main viable options in the immediate term. For long term, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) or other forms (i.e. Batteries, GeoThermal, etc.) could be utilized once they have been proven safe, cost effective, and reliable. Environment / Energy I believe that a diverse energy portfolio is in the best interests of stability and cost effectiveness for Arizona’s long-term future. All forms of energy production should be on the table for use. Some specifics are: hydro, nuclear, coal, and natural gas, and in that order of priority for baseload.