When Representative Pamela Carter stood before her legislative colleagues with a bag of gummy bears, some might have wondered what candy had to do with Arizona's energy future. By the time she finished her presentation, everyone understood — and Arizona took a major step toward energy independence and reliability.
The Gummy Bear Moment That Made National News
Representative Carter introduced HCR2022, a concurrent resolution urging Congress and the President to support construction of more nuclear power plants in Arizona. But she didn't just read dry policy language into the record. She held up a gummy bear.
"One of these little pellets, the size of a gummy bear — it equals one ton of coal, 17,000 feet of natural gas or 149 gallons of oil," Representative Carter explained. That simple visual made the efficiency and power of nuclear energy immediately understandable. The presentation generated coverage from ABC15 Arizona, the Arizona Technology Council, and other media outlets. The resolution passed both chambers and was adopted.
Why Nuclear Energy Matters for Arizona
Arizona faces unique energy challenges: rapid population growth as the fastest-growing state, extreme heat where air conditioning is a life-or-death necessity, limited fossil fuel resources, water scarcity, and the need for reliable baseload power that solar and wind alone can't provide 24/7.
Arizona's Nuclear Energy Leadership: Palo Verde
Arizona already leads the nation in nuclear energy production thanks to the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station — the largest nuclear power plant in America, located west of Phoenix. Palo Verde's three reactors generate approximately 3,937 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, providing about 35% of Arizona's total power supply and serving approximately four million people. The facility employs roughly 2,400 full-time workers, generates significant tax revenue, and operates with an exceptional safety record.
The Perfect Timing of HCR2022
Representative Carter's resolution came at exactly the right moment. Arizona's three largest utilities — APS, SRP, and TEP — announced they're exploring adding nuclear generation capacity, including small modular reactors (SMRs). These next-generation technologies promise a smaller footprint, lower upfront costs, enhanced passive safety features, scalability, and faster deployment. Her resolution aligns Arizona state policy with utility company planning and national energy strategy.
Creative Advocacy That Gets Results
The gummy bear presentation demonstrates Representative Carter's skill in making complex policy accessible and engaging. It made technical information visual and memorable, generated media coverage that educated thousands of Arizonans, and built coalition support — communication skill honed through eighteen years hosting a fitness television program.
A Legislator Who Thinks Big
Energy policy doesn't generate the same headlines as border security or education fights, but it's fundamental to Arizona's future prosperity. Representative Carter understands that vision and leadership mean addressing the complex, technical, long-term issues that determine whether Arizona thrives or struggles in coming decades — and doing so with the courage to advance important but sometimes controversial positions.