Sierra Club Files Request for Rehearing on ACC REST Decision - CleanTechnica

The Sierra Club has filed a request for rehearing with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) regarding its decision to repeal Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff (REST) program. The REST program has been instrumental in promoting clean, affordable renewable energy, creating jobs, and attracting investment in Arizona. The Sierra Club argues that the ACC’s economic, small business, and consumer impact statement (EIS) inadequately assessed the economic consequences of repealing REST, potentially harming consumers and businesses by slowing the state’s transition away from fossil fuels and increasing utility costs. This repeal is part of a broader pattern by the ACC favoring fossil fuels over renewable energy alternatives, including cuts to utility energy efficiency budgets and approval of policies that may lead to unchecked utility rate increases. Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter Director Sandy Bahr emphasized that the ACC failed to properly quantify the impacts of repealing the renewable energy standard, which could hinder the implementation of solar and other renewables despite their cost-effectiveness compared to fossil fuels. The ACC