Energy (Solar)

HB 2338 requires counties with fewer than 500,000 residents to obtain unanimous approval from all voting board members and every affected supervisory district before approving zoning permits for wind or solar projects. The bill mandates that all board members must be present for the vote, a majority must approve, and each district containing part of the project must vote yes. It also prohibits voting if a board member is absent or recused from a district affected by the project, requiring unanimous consent in those cases. This law directly affects local county boards and renewable energy developers seeking zoning approvals in smaller Arizona counties.

SB 1241 allows homeowners and contractors to use private companies (instead of city governments) to review building plans and inspect specific home improvement projects, such as roofing, solar panels, or plumbing repairs, for single-family or multifamily residential properties. Private providers issue permits and certificates of completion after verifying compliance with building codes, submit copies to the city within 48 hours, and cities must accept them as valid as their own permits. Cities must post all building codes and fee schedules online; if they fail to do so, they cannot charge fees for projects using private providers. The bill requires private providers to maintain liability insurance and prohibits cities from charging extra fees or discriminating against those using private services.

HB 2975 prohibits Arizona's state land department from using solar scores or similar tools in land decisions starting from its effective date. The bill requires the department to develop two new resource scoring maps within two years: one for mining (considering known resources) and one for housing (considering development needs). These maps must be created with input from relevant industries and will guide the department’s land use planning and five-year disposal plans. The department must also submit updated maps to state leaders, including the governor and legislative leaders. This bill directly affects how Arizona manages state lands for mining, housing, and renewable energy projects.

HB 2551 establishes an Office of Resiliency within the governor’s office and sets a 50% renewable energy target for Arizona’s electric utilities by 2035. The bill directly affects electric utilities (requiring them to generate half their power from sources like solar, wind, or geothermal) and Arizonans (through potential changes in electricity rates and infrastructure planning). Key provisions include creating a state office to develop a climate resiliency plan, advise on water/energy/transportation policies, and assess climate risks to systems like water resources and infrastructure. The bill does not yet take effect, as it is in early legislative stages (House first/second reading).

SB 1385 requires Arizona's electric distribution utilities (electric companies) to generate at least half of their electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, or biofuels by January 1, 2036. The bill defines "renewable energy resource" as self-replenishing energy from natural processes, specifically listing solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, and biofuels as eligible. This mandate directly affects all electric companies serving Arizona customers, setting a clear 50% renewable energy target with a fixed deadline. The law establishes a concrete policy change by requiring utilities to transition their energy mix toward these sources over the next decade.