The Arizona Corporation Commission plays a crucial role in influencing public health through its regulatory decisions on utilities like electricity, gas, and water. These decisions have far-reaching impacts on the social determinants of health, affecting everything from air quality to the economic well-being of Arizonans.
One significant area of impact is utility rates. The ACC’s approval of rate increases for utilities such as Arizona Public Service and Southwest Gas directly affects household finances, particularly for low-income families.
For instance, recent approvals of rate hikes have led to increased annual revenues for these utilities, but also higher utility bills for consumers. Higher utility costs can strain household budgets, reducing funds available for essentials like food, healthcare, and education, which are all critical components of overall health.
The ACC’s energy policies significantly impact air quality and, consequently, public health. When the ACC supports renewable energy initiatives, it promotes cleaner air by reducing reliance on polluting fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind help cut down on harmful emissions, leading to fewer respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems associated with air pollution.
Conversely, decisions that favor traditional energy sources can lead to poorer air quality and higher healthcare costs due to increased rates of pollution-related illnesses. This underscores the importance of regulatory decisions and the commissioners elected to the ACC, as their policies can either enhance or hinder public health outcomes.
We recently wrote a four-part series describing the ways in which the decisions Arizona Corporation Commissioners influence public health.
- In Part I we discussed how the Commissioners’ rubber stamping of APS rate increases over the last couple of years is harming the social determinants of health.
- Part II covered how recent Commissioner decisions are disincentivizing rooftop solar.
- In Part III we covered how the AZ Corp Commission’s rubber stamping of methane gas rate increases are damaging public health.
- Part IV tackled how the Commission’s decisions can have a direct impact on the air we breathe.
Overall, the ACC’s regulatory choices ripple out into the broader social determinants of health, highlighting the need for informed voting and advocacy to ensure that the Commission prioritizes the well-being of all Arizonans.
The November Election
The 2024 Arizona Corporation Commission election will be held on November 5, 2024. Three of the five seats on the Commission are up for election in November – so this year presents a real opportunity to shift the commission away from protecting utilities and other businesses – focusing it more on their public health role.
Republicans currently hold 4 seats on the board, while Democrats hold just 1. Lea Márquez Peterson (Republican) is running for re-election, while James O’Connor ( R) and Anna Tovar (D) are not.
While a primary election will be held this summer, it won’t really matter, because each party is nominating just 3 candidates.
On the Republican side, we will see Rene Lopez, Lea Marquez Petersen and Rachel Walden on the November ballot. Democrats on the November ballot will be Ylenia Aguilar, Jonathon Hill and Joshua Polachek.
The 3 vote getters among the six candidates on the Nov ballot will earn a 4-year term on this important public health body.
In the coming weeks we’ll dive into the details of each candidate’s priorities to see how each matches up with public health priorities.
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AZPHA Draft Letter to AZ Corporation Commission Candidates
July xx, 2024
Dear [Candidate’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing to you as the Executive Director for the Arizona Public Health Association highlight our organization’s priorities related to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and to seek your commitment to policies that promote public health, environmental sustainability, and economic equity as you campaign for the November 2024 election.
The ACC plays a pivotal role in shaping Arizona’s economic and environmental landscape by regulating utility rates and services. Recently, we have witnessed significant rate increases from Arizona Public Service (APS) and Southwest Gas (SW Gas).
These rate hikes have far-reaching consequences on the social determinants of health, especially for our most vulnerable populations. Rising utility costs can lead to difficult choices between paying for utilities and other essentials such as food, housing, and healthcare, exacerbating health disparities among low-income families, seniors, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
The AZPHA is deeply concerned that the routine approval of these rate hikes undermines the well-being of Arizona residents. The 2022 APS rate increase, for example, was a substantial burden on many households, and the 2023 SW Gas rate hike followed suit.
These increases are not just numbers on a bill; they translate to real sacrifices and hardships for families across our state. We urge the ACC to adopt a more critical stance on rate increase proposals, ensuring that any approved increases are justifiable and do not disproportionately burden those already struggling to make ends meet.
It is essential to evaluate the impact of rate increases through a public health lens, considering how financial stress and energy insecurity can deteriorate health outcomes.
In addition to protecting consumers from unjust rate hikes, the ACC has a pivotal role in steering Arizona towards a sustainable energy future.
The AZPHA believes that the commission should be more proactive in incentivizing clean energy development and protecting our environment. Arizona, with its abundant sunshine, has tremendous potential for solar energy. Prioritizing investments in renewable energy not only mitigates climate change but also reduces pollution-related health issues, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Moreover, clean energy initiatives can stimulate economic growth by creating green jobs and reducing energy costs in the long term. By supporting policies that favor renewable energy and energy efficiency, the ACC can ensure a healthier environment and a more resilient economy for all Arizonans.
Initiatives like expanding rooftop solar programs, enhancing grid storage capabilities, and promoting energy efficiency measures are crucial steps towards a sustainable future. Additionally, the ACC should consider the health implications of energy production and prioritize reducing emissions from fossil fuels.
As you campaign for a position on the ACC, we urge you to consider these priorities. Commitment to fair utility rates and clean energy development aligns with the broader goal of improving public health and reducing health disparities. Your leadership on these issues can make a significant difference in the lives of Arizona residents.
Thank you for your attention to these critical matters. We look forward to your response and to the possibility of working together to create a healthier and more sustainable Arizona.
Sincerely,
Will Humble, MPH
Executive Director, Arizona Public Health Association
Director, Arizona Department of Health Services (2009-2015)
