After several years under the leadership of the Arizona Technology Council, the Arizona Energy Consortium (AEC) today announced the formation of its own 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Comprised of over 200 members, the AEC is the only all-encompassing energy group in Arizona. The AEC — co-chaired by Michelle De Blasi, an environmental and energy law partner with the law firm of Gammage & Burnham, and Chris Davey, president of EnviroMission, Inc. — will continue to act as a resource for the Council on energy policy issues.
“Both the Arizona Technology Council and the AEC are proud to have reached this momentous occasion where a newly formed organization has realized the ability to stand on its own,” said Steven G. Zylstra, the Council’s president and CEO. “As a state organization that represents a wide range of types of businesses from various technology industries, the Council is proud to have served as an initial home for the AEC. The consortium has functioned exactly as expected in working harmoniously and collaboratively for the common interest of the state’s energy sector. We wish them all the best in their new endeavor.”
The AEC was originally established as a business consortium for Arizona’s energy industry. “By combining business leadership with guidance for good public policy, the AEC has worked hard since its inception to promote policies that will help strengthen the energy industry and reduce barriers to development,” said De Blasi. “We will continue to play an important role in helping Arizona’s energy industry achieve its full potential.”
With all of the recent policy changes affecting a sector of Arizona’s solar industry, Davey knows the importance of consistent policy in supporting an emerging industry.
“In an ever-changing energy market, the AEC will continue with its collaboration with key stakeholders to develop the Arizona Energy Roadmap and Solar Strategic Plan,” said Davey, who is developing a cutting-edge utility scale solar energy project in Arizona. “We will continue working with others to build on the foundations of a long-term, statewide plan for the energy industry to ensure it is a key economic driver for the state and the region as a whole.”
Any person or company that wishes to become an AEC member can contact De Blasi at mdeblasi@azenergy.org or Davey atcdavey@azenergy.org.
