Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes Takes on Former Colleagues

Former Arizona Corporation Commissioner and current Arizona Attorney General, Kris Mayes, has filed a lawsuit against officials at her former workplace. Mayes, known for her work on water and solar energy issues, announced her decision on Thursday.

The lawsuit stems from a recent ruling by the Arizona Corporation Commission that removed a level of environmental oversight previously required of power companies. UniSource Energy Services, an Arizona power company, requested a “disclaimer of jurisdiction” to bypass a regulatory hurdle known as a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility. The utility argued that the natural gas turbines they were planning to build should not be subject to the same legal scrutiny as larger turbines.

In June, the Commission’s four Republican members voted 4-1 in favor of granting the exception, a decision that Mayes strongly opposes. Taking to social media, Mayes stated, “The Commission’s ruling misinterprets long-standing laws and creates dangerous loopholes. Arizona’s energy projects must remain accountable under the law to protect our communities and environment.”

This decision is part of a larger trend where the Commission has consistently sided with for-profit utilities over environmental and consumer groups. Opposition to the ruling argue that it sets a dangerous precedent, allowing corporations rather than governmental bodies to dictate where power companies can build.

Mayes’ lawsuit and public outcry aim to hold utilities accountable under the law and maintain safeguards for the environment and communities in Arizona.

Stay Informed with 12News+

Be sure to download the free 12News+ app to stay updated on live events, breaking news, and local stories from Arizona. Watch live newscasts and on-demand videos on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. You can also access exclusive content on your phone or streaming devices. Stay connected to what matters most in Arizona with 12News+.