Contributed Article/Courtesy Arizona House of Representatives
PHOENIX – House Bill 2201 was signed into law on Monday, marking a major step forward for wildfire mitigation, electric utility stability, and ratepayer protection in Arizona. Championed by State Representative Gail Griffin and prioritized in the 2025 House Republican Majority Plan, the legislation delivers industry-leading stability, planning, and legal clarity for electric utility providers and wildfire managers while reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires in high-risk communities.
The bill earned broad bipartisan support and was backed by local leaders from Arizona’s rural areas, including mayors and council members from Arizona’s White Mountain communities—all of whom understand the urgent need for stronger mitigation policies and infrastructure safeguards.
Under HB2201, investor-owned utilities and public power providers—including Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and rural distribution cooperatives over a certain size—must submit wildfire mitigation plans every two years to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management for approval. These plans must identify fire-prone areas, outline risk-reducing protocols, and include power shutoff protocols for extreme fire conditions to stop wildfires before they start.
“This legislation is forward-looking, responsible policy,” said Representative Griffin, Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water. “It ensures our grid remains reliable, our communities are safer, and our policies reflect real-world risks and solutions.”
The law also establishes legal protections for electric utilities and cooperatives that follow their approved mitigation plans, creating a presumption that they met the required standard of care. This protects both the utilities and their customers from liability exposure, helping to prevent unnecessary rate increases tied to wildfire-related lawsuits, similar to those that have affected consumers in other states like California.
HB2201 was shaped in part by testimony during the first meeting of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Fire Preparedness, chaired by Representative David Marshall. That meeting brought together rural leaders, utility providers, firefighters, and forest managers, all of whom emphasized the urgent need to manage vegetation, protect power infrastructure, and pursue proactive fire mitigation strategies.
“With the passage of HB2201, Arizona is better positioned to prevent wildfires, protect high-risk areas, and provide reliable and affordable electric service statewide,” Representative Griffin added. “The law reflects the House Majority’s commitment to energy security and public safety, while providing a win for Arizona’s rural communities and every electric utility customer in the state.”
Gail Griffin is a Republican Arizona House of Representatives member serving Legislative District 19, including Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, and eastern Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. She Chairs the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee.
