Tucson (AZ) Hispanic Chamber hosts two events on sustainability and clean energy
The Tucson (AZ) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted two events during August and September, shining light on the jobs and economic opportunities with the clean energy economy.
On September 12, the Chamber co-hosted a clean energy webinar (recording available here), along with Arizona Forward and Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy. The event provided 150 representatives of chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, government staff, and Arizona businesses a ‘snapshot’ of the substantial growth in Arizona for EV and battery manufacturing and the rapid deployment of wind and solar.
As Rob Elias, CEO and President of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber, observed during the discussion “energy sustainability is very important to our members - they have voiced this as a priority”. In addition to the session hosts, panelists included Steven G. Zylstra, CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, Joel Millman, Workforce Development Manager for Pinal County, and Blaise Caudill, Energy Advisor to the Governor.
Steve Zylstra highlighted the expansive job opportunities in clean energy and Arizona’s focus on reaching out to underserved communities. “$9B has been invested in EVs, batteries, and recycling in AZ, with 70% of those funds since the passage of the IRA and 90% since the IIJA, including 11,500 new jobs”. Joel Millman described Arizona as being at a historic crossroads as it becomes an EV supply and manufacturing hub. In order to fill the tens of thousands of clean energy jobs (and growing) in Arizona, not only do companies such as American Battery Factory and LG Energy Solution need staff, they need specific skills. Blaise Caudill updated the audience on Arizona's energy policies and plans.
The Tucson Hispanic Chamber’s second event was in August when they led a town hall with Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R) and Raul Grijalva (D). The conversation with the 200 attendees, covering sustainability, the economy, the border, and education, was bipartisan and modeled how a discussion with differing points of view can be informative and positive. In terms of common ground, both elected officials agree that the clean energy economy is a great way to attract jobs, investment, and opportunities to Arizona.