Amazon to grow solar footprint in Yuma County

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Amazon has announced 37 new projects in their effort of having their operations be 100% renewable energy efficient.

While a streaming and shipping platform, Amazon is the leading force in the push for renewable energy, and Arizona is the perfect place for leaving a solar footprint.

"Amazon is very focused on creating a sustainable company, and when you look at solar projects, you can't do any better than Arizona," said Zoe Richmond, Arizona spokesperson and Yuma native.

While Richmond is from Yuma, this detail did not factor into Amazon's plans for Yuma County.

"Yuma County was selected as one of the 37 renewable energy projects that the company is undertaking in the United States and across the world," Richmond explained.

A couple of Yuma County citizens weighed in their thoughts on the project.

"I would hope that if they do bring a solar field, or an expansion to the solar fields we already have, that they would use and utilize the help of local contractors. Therefore, keeping some of that business local here in Yuma County," said Leonard Manos, owner of 48Solar & Roofing.

"I think solar is a good thing. I live in a house and I'm off-grid. I have 24 solar panels and my whole house runs on that," Dave Durflinger, a Yuma citizen, explains.

As for the reason why Amazon wants to leave its solar footprint in Yuma County.

"With a company like Amazon, as large as we are, we do take that responsibility of making sure that the world is a better place for everybody," Richmond explained.

After everything is in place, Amazon will complete its projects by 2025, ahead of the scheduled 2030 goal.