Arizona Corporation Commission Votes to Proceed with Repeal of Energy Efficiency Standards

Today, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) voted 5-0 to proceed with repealing Arizona’s Energy Efficiency Standards despite strong opposition from health organizations, clean energy advocates, and community groups.  

The Energy Efficiency standards were approved in 2010 to require utilities to host customer programs that encourage lower consumption practices and ensure new technology adoption. These standards were a cost-effective way to reduce energy demand and unhealthy emissions from the power sector. Combustion of fossil fuels like oil, coal, and methane gas to produce energy contributes increased particle pollution and ozone formation. The American Lung Association 2025 “State of the Air” report finds that 84% of Arizonans live in a county with at least one failing air quality grade.    

JoAnna Strother, Senior Director of Advocacy with the American Lung Association released this statement:  

Despite decades of progress, Arizona has some of the worst air pollution in the country, and repealing the Energy Efficiency (EE) standards will would represent a big step backward. The ACC’s decision to pursue the repeal of these standards will result in higher bills, and more air pollution: Arizonans can’t afford either.” 

The American Lung Association released polling in December 2024 which revealed majority of voters believe clean energy will improve air quality, create quality jobs and strengthen the economy. Most notably, 78% of voters support assistance programs for homeowners/renters to increase energy efficiency2. 

“Today, the ACC’s decision to rollback the Energy Efficiency standards put Arizona’s energy system at stake and jeopardizes the health of Arizonans by exposing them to increased air pollution. The American Lung Association will continue to advocate for strong clean energy future so all Arizonans can breathe clean, healthy air.”