Arizona Senators Kelly and Gallego vote to oppose the Republican-led rollback attempt that aims to dismantle critical Inflation Reduction Act investments — a move celebrated by local groups championing clean energy, jobs, and economic justice.

PHOENIX, AZ – Today, the U.S. Senate passed President Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping budget proposal that is set to hand billions in tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy while slashing critical investments in the clean energy economy. The bill now heads back to the U.S. House, where lawmakers must decide whether to approve the Senate’s version or push for changes.

Local organizations across Arizona thank U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for voting against the bill, but warn that, if it becomes law, it would seriously harm working families and businesses while derailing Arizona’s progress in clean energy and economic development. It would raise Arizonans’ utility bills by cutting clean energy incentives that help lower energy costs, making it harder for Arizona families and businesses to keep up with rising living expenses, especially during extreme heat. At the same time, the bill would add an estimated $3.8 trillion to the national debt by handing billions in tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy and large corporations.

Since Trump’s election, 142 clean energy projects have been threatened, delayed, or canceled—putting at risk $86.76 billion in investment nationwide and over 91,000 announced jobs, including more than $3.66 billion in Arizona. The bill’s aim to dismantle investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) would further exacerbate this trend, threatening the meaningful progress Arizona has made in clean energy job creation, infrastructure development, economic resilience, and cost savings on utility bills. A new report shows that if the bill becomes law, Arizona alone could lose over 13,000 clean energy jobs and $12.75 billion in IRA-driven investments.

Arizona U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego stood with Arizona families by voting against this bill, reaffirming their commitment to a future where clean energy, good jobs, and affordability go hand in hand. Their stance was met with strong support from community members, health advocates, and business leaders across Arizona, who raised concerns that repealing the clean energy investments in the IRA would threaten economic growth and climate progress.

While the bill ultimately passed the Senate, their leadership sent a clear message about the need to prioritize Arizona’s progress toward a stronger, healthier, and more equitable economy, rather than giving handouts to the ultra-wealthy at the expense of everyday families and small businesses.

Below are statements from local advocates who applaud Senators Kelly and Gallego, while some also call on Arizona’s congressional delegation to protect these investments:

Katie Huffling, DNP, RN, CNM, FAAN, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) Executive Director
“As nurses, we see firsthand how clean energy investments improve community health by reducing pollution, lowering utility costs, and making homes safer during extreme weather. This bill puts those critical gains at risk. It would eliminate tax credits for cleaner vehicles this year and begin scaling back support for wind and solar until those credits are gone by 2032. Communities across Arizona—including many represented by lawmakers who supported this bill—are already experiencing the health benefits of clean energy through cleaner air and fewer emissions. Rolling back these investments would threaten the well-being of millions. We urge Arizona’s congressional delegation to reject this bill and protect the clean energy funding that’s helping build healthier, more resilient communities for all.”

Dora Vasquez, Executive Director, Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans
“Thank you, Senators Kelly and Gallego, for standing up for Arizona’s working families and seniors by voting against this harmful bill. The historic clean energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act have been a lifeline, helping lower energy costs and providing critical utility assistance to those who need it most. Your support shows a true commitment to protecting our most vulnerable communities. As extreme heat continues to threaten lives, especially among older adults, we urge all Arizona leaders to prioritize the well-being of our seniors and ensure they are not left behind.”

Brian Drummond, MD, FAAEM, Co-Founder, Arizona Health Professionals for Climate Action

“As an emergency doctor, I see firsthand how extreme heat is impacting the health of our communities. Now more than ever, we need sustained funding and resources for clean energy to address the rising threats to public health and environmental safety. That’s why I’m grateful to Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Ruben Gallego for standing up for the health and well-being of Arizona families by voting no on the reconciliation bill. We’re all in this together, and their leadership gives us hope.”

Will Humble, Executive Director, Arizona Public Health Association“Public health isn’t just about access to doctors and hospitals—it’s shaped by the conditions people live in, like stable housing, food security, financial stability, and access to affordable utilities. Clean energy programs help meet these needs by lowering energy costs and making homes safer during extreme heat. The bill that just passed in the Senate guts many of these vital programs, making it even harder for Arizona families to stay healthy and keep up with rising utility bills. I applaud Senators Kelly and Gallego for their leadership and for voting against this harmful legislation. Now, Arizona’s Congress must do the same and protect our families.”

Diali Avila, Arizona State Director, Climate Power
“Senate Republicans just passed a budget bill that includes a full ‘sledgehammer’ repeal of America’s clean energy investments — a direct threat to Arizona’s future. It risks thousands of jobs, raises utility bills, and threatens the National Park Service, all to fund billionaire tax breaks. We thank Senators Gallego and Kelly for listening to Arizonans. Now, Congressman Ciscomani needs to fix his own mistake and demand this Republican Rate Hike be taken out of the bill.” 

Paloma Greenwald, RN, BSN, MA, Health & Climate Initiatives Manager, Elders Climate Action
“As someone who works closely with Arizona’s aging population, I know how extreme heat and rising utility costs disproportionately impact seniors, many of whom live on fixed incomes and simply can’t afford higher utility bills. Clean energy investments help lower costs and keep homes safe during extreme heat waves. By voting no on the reconciliation bill, Senators Kelly and Gallego showed their support for the financial security and well-being of Arizona’s seniors. I ask Arizona’s leadership to help ensure no one is left behind in the face of rising costs and temperatures.”

Fabiola Bedoya, Arizona Field Organizer, Moms Clean Air Force
“As a mom raising my son here in Arizona, I feel deeply grateful to Senators Kelly and Gallego for standing up for what truly matters: our children’s health, our families’ well-being, and the future we are working hard to protect. Clean energy is not just a policy issue for families like mine. It means lower energy bills during our long, hot summers, more good-paying jobs in our communities, and cleaner air for our children to breathe. Arizona families deserve leaders who choose people over polluters.”

Alexia Melendez Martineau, Senior Policy Manager, Plug In America

“Thank you to Arizona Senators Kelly and Gallego for their votes to protect Arizonans. We appreciate and commend your efforts to support communities across the state. We will continue to advocate alongside you for solutions and technology that reduce energy and transportation costs for residents, create jobs, and improve the quality of life in Arizona.”

Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director, Poder Latinx 

“Arizona is on the frontlines of climate disaster, and today, Arizona Senators chose to stand on the right side of history. By rejecting the Republican rollback, they defended the clean energy investments that are lowering utility bills, creating thousands of local jobs, and protecting our communities from extreme heat and pollution. This vote was not just about politics—it was about people. Latinos, young voters, and working families across Arizona are paying attention, and we commend Senators Kelly and Gallego for putting our health, our economy, and our future first.”  

Tom Prezelski, Senior Political Advisor, Rural Arizona Action

“With this bill, working families in rural Arizona face the double whammy of rising utility rates and the end of investment in clean energy projects, which brought jobs and opportunity to our most economically vulnerable communities. Thank you to Senators Gallego and Kelly for standing up for Arizona’s people over billionaires and corporations by voting against this destructive legislation.”

Antonio Ramirez, Political and Policy Director, Rural Arizona Engagement 

“In the face of economic uncertainty and rising utility costs, rural Arizonans have tapped into federal climate investments to help sustain their families and businesses. It is devastating that Congress continues to pad the pockets of the ultra-wealthy at the expense of rural communities. I deeply appreciate Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Ruben Gallego for fighting to protect these investments on behalf of Arizona.”

JoAnna Mendoza, Executive Director, VetsForward

Arizona’s veterans have found meaningful careers building our state’s clean energy future. By opposing these reckless rollbacks, Senators Kelly and Gallego showed their commitment to protecting veterans’ jobs, lowering energy costs for Arizona families, and safeguarding our state’s economic and climate resilience. We thank them for standing strong with Arizona’s working families.

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For Immediate Release: July 1, 2025

Media Contact: ​Reyna Gutierrez, reyna@icstrategyaz.com, 480.495.3348