I am running for the Corporation Commission to achieve a majority that will move Arizona toward solar power – a Solar Team. We are facing an energy crisis in our country caused by both climate change and dependency on foreign oil.

If you look at gas prices today, you can see the problem. We don’t have an alternative. If we don’t adopt alternative energy sources such as solar power, then our utility bills will jump just like our gas prices have. The key to protecting consumers is moving to alternative energy.

Arizona and America need to be energy independent. I believe that solar power is the road to energy independence. Unlike other energy sources such as natural gas, solar power involves no fuel costs. The cost of natural gas is skyrocketing along with our gas prices.

Today solar power is much bigger than rooftop solar. Now there are solar power plants that can generate electricity comparable to nuclear and coal plants. APS is currently building one of the largest solar plants in the nation in Gila Bend with a 280 MW capacity.

Arizona has enough sunlight to power the state and the nation. As governor Janet Napolitano says: “Through solar power, Arizona can become the Persian Gulf of America.” Solar power generated in Arizona can create over 10,000 jobs and generate billions in wealth for the state.

The beauty of solar power is that there are no carbon emissions. The equation is simple. When America’s electricity is generated without carbon emissions and our transportation system is electric, then we will have achieved energy independence and America’s contribution to climate change is cut in half.

This is totally doable. Solar power generated in Arizona can be exported across the nation the way coal-fired and other electricity currently are transmitted. Already, there are plug in hybrids and electric cars in production.

The stakes could not be higher. The threat posed by climate change is greater than anything our civilization has ever faced. Arizona can take the lead in our nation by moving to solar power to offset poisonous greenhouse gases.
Remember, the future of our children and their children will be determined by the choices we make today. Let’s move to solar power to preserve the world, as we know it, for them.

Thank you.

Sam George