Governor Hobbs Commits to Climate Targets, Taking Critical First Step to Secure Stronger Future for Arizonans

Statement of EDF Associate Vice President, Regional Affairs Kevin Moran -- July 17, 2023

July 17, 2023
Elaine Labalme, (412) 996-4112, elabalme@edf.org

Governor Katie Hobbs announced that Arizona has joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 25 governors committed to reducing climate pollution in line with national goals: at least a 26-28% reduction by 2025 and 50-52% reduction by 2030. The announcement arrives as a new EDF analysis underscores the power of state climate leadership on a national scale, finding that states with climate commitments can cut the remaining gap to the U.S. 2030 target by nearly half, if they achieve their own targets.

“As the realities of a warmer, drier climate bear down on Arizonans, Governor Hobbs is taking a critical step to secure a stronger future for our communities. Now, Governor Hobbs and state leaders must work to deliver on these promises to Arizonans by adopting strong climate policies that limit pollution to safer levels while at the same time fueling a robust clean energy economy. We applaud the governor for her resolve in the face of the climate crisis.

“Luckily, the opportunity for action has never been greater. Arizona leaders can leverage billions in game-changing federal investments to adopt policies that will improve our health, unleash clean energy jobs and drive our nation’s climate progress forward. Already, the Governor’s Resiliency Office is working to maximize these funding opportunities and bring these dollars to Arizona where they can unlock the state’s full clean energy potential.

“At the same time, we need Arizona leaders to translate these commitments into binding requirements. As Nevada’s recent rollback on its targets underscores, we can’t afford to leave life-saving climate action to the whims of politics. Arizona must remain steadfast in its commitment – Arizonans deserve nothing less.”

  • Kevin Moran, Associate Vice President, Regional Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund

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One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund