REPORT CARD: Trump Gets an F in Arizona; In November, He’ll Get an L

Washington, D.C. – Ahead of Arizona’s primary, we’re here to remind you that Donald Trump failed Arizona families and the economy as president. His anti-worker and climate-denier agenda hurt Arizona’s burgeoning clean energy economy and threatened the health of communities across the state. Trump repealed clean car standards that would have saved families money at the pump and protected wages for workers across the nation. The cancellation was estimated to cost Arizona over $404 million per year. Families in Arizona can’t afford another Trump presidency. 

“Donald Trump’s presidency was a disaster for Arizona, gutting policies that lower energy costs and keep our air and water clean,” said Climate Power communications director Alex Glass. “Arizona is on the frontlines of the climate crisis – the heatwaves in 2023 caused hundreds of heat-related deaths. Arizonans need a leader who will confront the climate crisis, and thanks to President Biden’s clean energy plan, Arizona has become a hub for clean energy projects – creating a cleaner environment and bringing good paying jobs to the state.” 

FAIL:  Trump’s clean cars regulations repeal was estimated to cost Arizonans over $404 million annually. If elected, Trump would further reverse clean energy economic progress, as he promised to end tax credits for U.S.-manufactured EVs.

•  An analysis from the Union of Concerned Scientists found that charging a vehicle was more cost-effective than filling up at the pump across 50 major U.S. cities, including Arizona’s major metro areas: Phoenix and Tucson. 
• Meanwhile, President Biden’s clean energy plan has spurred 11 new EV and battery projects in Arizona, driving over $10 billion in new investment and creating over 11,000 new jobs.

FAIL: Trump imposed tariffs on solar energy, tried to eliminate the electric vehicle tax credit, and either delayed or ended renewable energy projects’ leasing and planning processes. Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the nation and ranks second in solar energy potential. 

• President Biden’s clean energy plan will further lower the cost of clean energy in the state, reducing the costs of solar and wind power by 22% and 34%, respectively.

FAIL: From 2011 to 2017, mercury emissions in Arizona decreased by more than 87%, and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standard prevented 35 deaths in Arizona in 2016 alone. Despite these improvements, the Trump administration canceled limits on the amount of mercury and other toxic emissions that were allowed from power plants, threatening the health of Arizonans.