The Arizona Business Commission (ACC) has reversed its decision to deny expansion of the natural gas project near Coolidge in Pinal County.
A year after Arizona’s second-largest utility was blocked by public opposition from a major expansion of its natural gas plant, ACC commissioners approved a revised plan by a 4-1 vote.
This was after the Salt River Project (SRP) reached a compromise with the residents of Randolph to allow the once-cancelled expansion plans to move forward.
The SRP had made significant concessions toward a deal, but those still opposed questioned the costs and what options residents had.
ABC15 researchers were the first to address the environmental concerns that residents of the historically small black community had with the expansion.
The newly approved expansion adds 12 new generator units to replace the original 16 generator units. Also move the unit further away from the residence.
SRP also agreed to donate more than $23 million to Randolph residents to better their communities. Its efforts include resurfacing dirt roads, paying out scholarships and building new community centers.
Former corporate secretary Sandra Kennedy voted against the original plan in public comments at the ACC hearing on Wednesday and expressed opposition to the revised expansion.
She said the updated project raises the same air quality concerns as the original project.
“This is still environmental racism against communities of color,” Kennedy said. “Just because we negotiated with the community doesn’t mean that blackmail wasn’t involved.”
Attorneys representing power companies argued at the hearing that they would support the revised plan.
The SRP stressed that the expansion is necessary to meet the state’s growing energy needs.
“We thank the Randolph community for the opportunity to hear and address their concerns regarding the Coolidge Expansion Project,” said Bobby Olsen, SRP Associate General Manager and Head of Planning, Strategy and Sustainability. said in a statement. “SRP looks forward to working with the community to deliver on the promises made thus far.”
