Arizona Energy Consortium Outlines Progress and Recommended Actions
in Updated Arizona Solar Strategic Plan
PHOENIX, June 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/
The Arizona Energy Consortium (AEC), a committee of the Arizona
Technology Council and the state's only broad-based energy sector
organization, today announced the update of the "Arizona Solar Strategic
Plan." Created through the AEC in November 2011 as a product of the
Arizona Solar Leadership Conference, the document tracks the
implementation of a series of recommended actions for the long-term
growth of the state's solar industry. The plan may be viewed on the
AEC's website at http://www.aztechcouncil.org/committees/aec.
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"Over the past year Arizona's solar industry has identified a key
factor that is needed for industry growth - the collaboration of efforts
between solar energy participants," said Michelle De Blasi, a
shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP and co-chair of AEC. "If Arizona
is to own this industry, it must capitalize on its competitive advantage
- the sun. This will only occur if there is collaboration across the
finance and economic development, industry and infrastructure, and
policy and regulatory sectors. I am pleased to see that real progress is
being made."
The importance to the business community is also key, as recognized
by Christopher Davey, Executive Director of EnviroMission and co-chair
of the AEC. "As the developer of a major utility scale solar project in
Arizona, EnviroMission's La Paz Solar Tower, it is essential to have
policies and procedures in place that support the ability to do business
in this state. With the efforts of the AEC, Arizona is competitively
positioning itself as the place to develop solar projects."
The recently updated Arizona Solar Strategic Plan includes a
discussion on the status of originally outlined initiatives, as well as
a series of revised recommendations for specific initiatives. A few
examples of the impressive progress being tracked include:
The Governor's Solar Task Force has provided a list of recommended
actions for approval by the Governor for streamlining the permitting
process for distributed generation projects that could be implemented to
competitively position Arizona as the nation's "friendliest" regulatory
landscape for siting distributed generation solar energy projects.
The AEC's Project Development and Energy Infrastructure subcommittee
is developing an accelerated permitting process for utility scale
projects through a program referred to as "Project of State
Significance".
The Town of Gila Bend has created a Solar Field Overlay Zone to
promote sustainable energy development, as well as job creation and
growth on a regional basis.
"We have every intention to be the nation's leader in solar
production with an eye toward being an export leader as well," said
Leisa Brug, Energy Policy Advisor to Governor Jan Brewer. "With our
abundant sunshine, renewable-friendly tax structure and high skilled
workforce, it's no surprise the solar industry is booming in Arizona."
"The plan's initiatives will have the common outcome of rewards such
as increased job creation and higher-waged salaries for the state's
solar workforce," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the
Arizona Technology Council.
About the Arizona Energy Consortium
As a vital committee and credible member-driven voice for Arizona's
energy industry and associated ecosystem under the Arizona Technology
Council, the Arizona Energy Consortium promotes and seeks opportunities
to collaborate and provide meaningful input within the industry on the
growth and retention of energy companies in the state. The Consortium's
focus on its immediate and long term leadership, value and impact on the
production, storage, transmission, distribution and consumption of
energy is designed to foster Arizona's competitive advantages as a place
to conduct energy business and generate power for the region. The
Consortium is also dedicated to promoting economic development
initiatives that support the energy industry and continued technological
developments that incentivize advancements towards safe, reliable,
affordable, efficient, diversified and renewable energy from within and
outside of Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the
Arizona Energy Consortium, please visit http://www.aztechcouncil.org/
committees/aec.
About the Arizona Technology Council
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona's premier trade association
for science and technology companies. Recognized as having a diverse
professional business community, Council members work towards furthering
the advancement of technology in Arizona through leadership, education,
legislation and social action. The Arizona Technology Council offers
numerous events, educational forums and business conferences that bring
together leaders, managers, employees and visionaries to make an impact
on the technology industry. These interactions contribute to the
Council's culture of growing member businesses and transforming
technology in Arizona. To become a member or to learn more about the
Arizona Technology Council, please visit www.aztechcouncil.org.
For more information please contact:
Media contact:
Linda Capcara
Global Connect Communications
lcapcara@globalconnectpr.com
(480) 229 -7090
Organization contacts:
Michelle De Blasi__ Christopher Davey
Arizona Energy Consortium Co-Chair__ Arizona Energy Consortium Co-
Chair
deblasim@gtlaw.com__ cdavey@enviromission.com.au
(602) 445-8485__ (602) 910-6740
SOURCE Arizona Technology Council
Originally published by Arizona Technology Council.
(c) 2012 PRNewswire. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.
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