On Sept. 15, Governor Katie Hobbs signed Executive Order 2025-13 to cut red tape, unlock Arizona’s energy potential and deliver lower energy costs for Arizonans. The executive order directs State Land to develop a report within 30 days outlining proposals to streamline and expedite processes for energy infrastructure development on state land. State Land will also be directed to identify and accelerate energy-related projects already underway.
“Arizona is on the frontlines of the American power resurgence, creating the affordable energy future,” said Gov. Hobbs. “We have incredible potential to deliver affordable energy to every business and family who needs it. We just need to unleash it. We’re going to cut away the bureaucracy and red tape that too often holds our economy back and increase costs. With this executive order, we will put common sense before outdated policies and procedures and build the energy infrastructure Arizona needs.”
The executive order also establishes the Arizona Energy Promise Taskforce, which will develop plans to facilitate large-scale growth, while preventing significant increases in Arizonans’ energy costs, expand Arizona’s clean energy economy and identify opportunities to streamline processes to site and develop energy infrastructure projects.
In addition to establishing the Taskforce, Gov. Hobbs’ executive order leverages state resources and directs state agencies to:
- Develop an energy affordability study to identify opportunities to reduce consumers’ energy costs and expand energy affordability programs.
- Analyze transportation fuel affordability and opportunities to plan for EV adoption.
- Provide support for energy-related businesses impacted by changes to federal policy.
- Support Tribes in advancing energy sovereignty.
- Identify ways to reduce energy costs and lower energy use.
This executive order comes at a critical moment. Recent federal actions, including the repeal of clean energy tax credits and new obstacles delaying the deployment of solar and wind projects, have put jobs and energy developments at risk. Moreover, Arizona utilities estimate significant energy needs over the next 15 years, with some utilities projecting a 40% increase in peak demand.
“This executive order focuses on giving Arizona families the affordable and innovative energy future they want and deserve. It also helps Arizona continue on its trajectory to becoming an energy and manufacturing leader. The solutions that will stem from this EO come at a pivotal time, as energy costs and the uncertainty about future energy demand increase,” said Maren Mahoney, director of the Governor’s Office of Resiliency. “It’s an honor to help lead the Arizona Energy Promise Taskforce and ensure Arizona thrives for many generations to come.”
News item from the Office of Gov. Hobbs
