SE Valley Times

Efforts to restart Arizona's coal plants have gained traction as state Republicans champion energy independence and grid reliability. Representative Marshall voiced the state's long-standing reliance on coal: "Coal has powered this state for decades and provided jobs for Arizona families," he said. With federal closures pressing on communities such as Joseph City and Page, he sees an opportunity to turn things around with the current administration, which he believes appreciates the importance of rural communities and stable power supply.

The push aligns with former President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Orders 14154 and 14156, which call for a national energy emergency and aim to boost domestic energy production, including coal. Arizona Republicans are advocating for the preservation of the remaining units at the Cholla Power Plant near Joseph City and aim to reopen the Navajo Generating Station near Page, which ceased operations in 2019.

Communities in northern and eastern Arizona have felt the economic impact from the closure of coal-fired power plants, facing job losses and declining school enrollments. These plants were vital economic contributors for families and rural schools before their shutdowns.

Expressing concern over the region's past challenges, Representative Marshall stated, "The war on coal has devastated northern Arizona." He criticized the influence of environmental groups, pointing to the closure of the timber industry and the rise of large wind turbines, which he fears will disrupt the region's landscape further. With the executive orders in place, he sees a chance to restore coal's traditional role and reinvigorate rural economies in Arizona.