Arizona State Representative Michael Carbone criticized Governor Hobbs’ recently released energy plan on Apr. 8, saying it favors large-scale solar development at the expense of housing opportunities and taxpayer interests. Carbone said the plan does not address rising gas prices or provide relief for Arizona families facing high utility costs.
The debate centers on how state land should be used to balance renewable energy goals with other pressing needs like affordable housing. The governor’s report calls for more wind and solar projects on state land, installing rooftop solar panels on public buildings, and using public assets in virtual power plant programs. Carbone argued that these measures prioritize green industry insiders over taxpayers and do not help lower costs for residents.
“Hobbs is calling this an all-of-the-above energy plan. It’s not,” Carbone said. “It’s a solar-heavy political plan that puts green industry insiders ahead of taxpayers, pushes utility-scale solar onto state land that could support badly needed housing, and says nothing about lowering gas prices for Arizona families. When Hobbs says ‘all of the above,’ what she means is more wind and solar.”
Carbone pointed out that as many as 276,000 acres of state land near cities could support up to 200,000 new homes but are instead being targeted for solar projects close to residential areas. He also raised concerns about restrictive bidder qualifications in recent public auctions for solar leases on state lands—nine out of ten since January 2023 drew only one bidder—which he said limits competition and may reduce funding available for K-12 education beneficiaries.
“The Governor has a constitutional obligation to ensure state land goes to the highest and best bidder at public auction,” Carbone said. “She should let the market compete and let the best use win.”
The report also did not address issues related to gasoline prices or infrastructure needs such as pipelines or refineries—a point Carbone highlighted by noting no oil or gas industry representatives were included in developing the plan.
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative in Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 after replacing Michelle Udall, according to Ballotpedia.
In conclusion, Carbone stated: “Her report is long on politics and short on answers… House Republicans are focused on affordability, reliability, and policies that serve Arizona families, not a narrow political agenda.”
