Phoenix, Ariz. -  The Arizona Court of Appeals vindicated the Arizona Corporation Commission in a lawsuit challenging SunZia Transmission, LLC’s route through Southern Arizona, concluding that the Commission’s approval of an amended Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) for SunZia was in the public interest of the state and was in full compliance with the statutory requirements. 

In its Memorandum Decision released Thursday, June 13, 2024, Presiding Judge O’Neil explained that the “record contains substantial evidence concerning the DC line’s benefits to Arizona’s need for power and its environmental and ecological impact.”

“The Commission is pleased with the Court’s thorough review of the evidence and its finding supporting the ACC’s decision to issue an amended CEC allowing SunZia to continue its efforts to bring renewable energy to Arizona,” said Doug Clark, Executive Director. 

The SunZia project includes two transmission lines that would carry more than 3,500 megawatts of wind power to three million people.  There is a potential market in Arizona for wind energy as a complement to other baseline energy, and its environmental impact is different than other forms of energy.

Oral arguments in this case were presented on May 9, 2024, before Division 2 of the Arizona Court of Appeals [2 CA-CV 2023-0247].  To view the ACC Decision granting the CEC, go to the Commission’s Online docket at edocket.azcc.gov and enter docket L-00000YY-15-0318-00171.