Major differences in Arizona utility policies is highlighted after debate

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - A debate among the four candidates seeking seats on the commission that regulates Arizona utilities revealed sharp differences in their approaches to the job as the state adjusts to climate change and a shrinking water supply.

The two Republicans Nick Myers and Kevin Thompson on the November ballot said they would leave it up to the utilities to decide if they wanted to pursue clean energy sources and said the state should not be involved in helping communities that are seeing coal-fired power plants shuttered.

Meanwhile, Democrats Lauren Kuby and Sandra Kennedy strongly disagreed, saying that tribes and communities adjusting to life without coal plants need the commission’s help and that setting standards for the minimum amount of energy utilities should get from renewable energy is critical.