Washington, D.C. – Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the ensuing statement following passage of H.R. 1043, the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Gosar requiring the Secretary of the Interior to convey 3,400 acres of Bureau of Land Management land to La Paz County to help maximize additional renewable energy generation and energy storage capabilities, enhance the County tax base and facilitate transformative economic development:

“Since 2015, I have worked tirelessly on behalf of La Paz County to convey 8,000 acres to the community for solar energy.  I am very pleased that the United States House of Representatives has now passed the La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act. My bill conveys the remaining acres to provide the maximum benefit of domestic renewable energy production and a vibrant local economy by building upon the success of the La Paz County Land Conveyance Act, another important bill that I introduced, which was enacted into law in 2019.

My latest bill is vital to the financial future of La Paz County and concentrates on the continued goal of creating and enlarging the county’s job and energy hub.  The 3,400 acres proposed for conveyance in this legislation includes those remaining parcels in the original proposal that were not enacted into law and adds other parcels that are also compatible for clean energy development to unlock additional employment opportunities for county residents.

Home to a flourishing energy sector, La Paz County has worked to increase renewable energy development by means of sustainable solar power. As Arizona expands its technology industry and semiconductor operations, these solar efforts deserve to be supported and expanded to meet the needs of and ensure the reliability of our electricity grid.

Increased energy development benefits Arizonans and the neighborhoods around them. I believe that local government, rather than the federal government’s overreaching influence, is fundamentally best fit to serve the interest of their communities.

I am grateful that my colleagues in Congress supported this bill, and I am pleased to have once again led an effort that works to promote economic vitality, job creation, and affordable energy for Arizonans,” said Congressman Paul Gosar.

“Congressman Gosar’s legislation will create thousands of new jobs and help unleash American energy dominance. His work is benefiting not only rural Arizona, but our entire nation. I thank him for his work on this issue and look forward to helping usher this legislation through the legislative process,” added Chairman Bruce Westerman, House Committee on Natural Resources.

“La Paz County is uniquely positioned to support renewable energy development, and this bill builds upon our strategic plan to grow our local economy. As a result of H.R. 1043, our community will have access to good-paying jobs along with the ability to create a long-term revenue stream for years to come. I would like to thank Congressman Gosar for his continued leadership and support in helping us  create much needed economic development for La Paz County,” stated Holly Irwin, La Paz County Supervisor, District 3.