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HCM 2016

Palo Verde; urging support

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Leo Biasiucci and 25 co-sponsors

Urges U.S. Congress to support Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and the safe, efficient use of nuclear energy to meet Arizona's energy needs and boost its economy.

House Second Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCM 2016

Summary: HCM 2016 — Palo Verde; urging support

A concurrent memorial introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives urging the United States Congress to support the Palo Verde Generating Station and the safe, efficient use of nuclear energy.

Basic details

  • Bill number and type: HCM 2016, a Concurrent Memorial
  • Title: Palo Verde; urging support
  • Status: House Second Reading (introduced February 12, 2025)
  • Legislative actions:
    • 2025-02-12: House First Reading
    • 2025-02-13: House Second Reading
  • Introduced by: Multiple Representatives (cosponsors listed; primary sponsor is Pamela Carter)

Purpose and rationale

  • The memorial seeks federal action to support the Palo Verde Generating Station and to promote safe and efficient nuclear energy to meet Arizona’s energy needs.
  • It presents Palo Verde as a cornerstone of Arizona’s energy and economy, highlighting its role as a major noncarbon energy source and economic driver.

Key provisions and requests

  • Directive to Congress: The United States Congress should support the Palo Verde Generating Station and the safe, efficient use of nuclear energy to supply Arizona’s energy needs.
  • Transmission request: The Secretary of State of Arizona must transmit copies of the memorial to:
    • The President of the United States Senate
    • The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
    • Each Member of Congress from Arizona

What the bill says about Palo Verde (highlights from the “Whereas” clauses)

  • Energy production and reach:
    • Generates more than 32 million megawatt hours annually
    • Powers more than 4 million homes and businesses
    • One of the nation’s largest power producers for ~30 years
  • Clean energy and reliability:
    • Largest source of clean energy in the West
    • Supplies nearly 70% of Arizona’s carbon-free energy
    • Nuclear energy provides continuous output (night and cloudy days)
  • Environmental and operational characteristics:
    • Not located on a body of water; uses recycled water for cooling
  • Economic impact and local benefits:
    • Largest single commercial taxpayer in Arizona
    • Approximately $2.3 billion annual economic impact
    • About 2,000 full-time employees, plus ~1,000 contractors during maintenance
    • Purchases over $123 million in goods/services from more than 1,200 Arizona businesses
    • Employee charitable giving around $1 million annually
  • Public sentiment and technology:
    • Many energy consumers support nuclear energy as a safe, noncarbon energy source
    • Noting nationwide and technological advancements in nuclear energy

Potential impact and implications

  • Symbolic and strategic: The memorial is a formal, nonbinding request signaling broad legislative support for Palo Verde and for continued nuclear energy support at the federal level.
  • Stakeholders affected: Palo Verde employees and contractors, Arizona taxpayers and businesses, utility consumers, and environmental/public safety advocates.
  • Policy context: If adopted, this resolution could accompany or bolster calls for federal policies, funding, or regulatory support favorable to nuclear energy and existing nuclear facilities.

Notes

  • As a concurrent memorial, the measure expresses the state’s legislative position and requests federal action rather than creating or changing state law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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