Bringing Clean Energy to Rural Arizona

As a retired U.S. Marine veteran dedicated to serving our nation and community, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of strategic investments and thoughtful policy. Today, I am excited to witness an extraordinary transformation that promises to elevate rural Arizona: rapid clean energy expansion, supported by significant funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This impactful program, recently supplemented with $26.9 million from the Department of Energy, aims to promote clean energy solutions and infrastructure modernization across the country. Its goals are directly aligned with the Biden administration’s vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through the Investing in America program. The benefits are already visible in places like rural Arizona, and hope is promised with tangible improvements.

The town of Marana, a neighboring rural community, received a $113,010 grant to install an energy-efficient HVAC system for the Municipal Complex. While modest, the amount represents a huge step toward a sustainable and prosperous future. Projects that increase efficiency help reduce both costs and emissions for citizens, leaving behind cleaner air and a healthier environment. Just as important, they generate job growth and economic activity that increases the well-being of the community.

In rural areas like ours, where economic prospects are often limited, such investments can be life-changing. They provide much-needed jobs in construction, maintenance, and engineering. They also boost local businesses that supply materials and services, creating a domino effect of economic vitality. For veterans like me who have returned home in search of meaningful work and a stable future, the clean energy sector offers a promising path. In addition, it is crucial to make a significant impact in rural communities to prevent young people from leaving their towns for better opportunities elsewhere. We can retain our young talent and ensure the long-term sustainability and vitality of our communities by supporting economic growth and creating local job opportunities.

In addition, the EECBG program and related initiatives cultivate community resilience. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects reduces our dependence on external energy sources and increases our energy security. This is especially important for rural communities vulnerable to energy price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

The president’s broader vision for Investing in America is to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy. That means ensuring that rural areas, often overlooked in national development plans, are not left out. The commitment to finance clean energy projects in places like Marana is evidence of that inclusive approach. It ensures that every community, regardless of size or location, can participate in and benefit from the clean energy transition.

As a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran, policymaker, and Arizona Vets Forward board member, I am incredibly proud to see our communities taking steps toward sustainability and self-sufficiency. The EECBG funding is a significant step forward, but it is only the beginning. We must continue to advocate and support policies that prioritize clean energy, economic development, and environmental protection.

In closing, I urge my fellow Arizonans to embrace this change. Let us work together to leverage these investments for the good of our communities. In doing so, we honor the spirit of service and commitment that defines us, ensuring a brighter, cleaner, more prosperous future for all.