Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry Endorses Candidates for Arizona Corporation Commission

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry Endorses Candidates for Arizona Corporation Commission

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry has announced its endorsement of incumbent Lea Márquez Peterson and candidates Rene Lopez and Rachel Walden for three seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission. The state utility regulator plays a crucial role in ensuring access to safe, reliable, and affordable energy sources, which directly impacts the state’s economic competitiveness.

Lea Márquez Peterson, who was appointed to the commission in 2019 and elected to a full term in 2020, is joined by Rene Lopez, a former Chandler city councilmember and U.S. Navy veteran, and Rachel Walden, a member of the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board with a background in financial services. With three seats up for election, these candidates will advance to the general election without a contested primary.

The business community, represented by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the importance of having utility regulators who prioritize reliability and competitive rates. Courtney Coolidge, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Chamber, highlighted the role of the commission in attracting businesses and promoting economic growth in the state.

Phoenix, in particular, has been identified as a top growth market for manufacturing, with lower-cost energy contributing to its appeal. Arizona’s advanced manufacturing sector, including semiconductors and electric vehicles, relies on a diverse energy mix that includes electricity, natural gas, renewables, and nuclear power.

Coolidge stressed the need for an all-of-the-above energy strategy to support businesses and maintain Arizona’s competitive edge. The commission’s decisions on rates and energy sources directly impact businesses, residents, and the overall economic climate in the state.

As the regulatory body overseeing public service utilities, railroads, and securities, the Arizona Corporation Commission plays a critical role in shaping the state’s energy landscape. With the upcoming election determining the composition of the commission, the business community’s endorsement of Márquez Peterson, Lopez, and Walden underscores the importance of reliable energy services for Arizona’s continued growth and prosperity.