The Western Blue Chip Economic Forecast, which now incorporates the Arizona Blue Chip Forecast, focuses on the changing economies of 12 Western states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The Western employs the proven accuracy of the consensus forecasting method brought to prominence by the late Robert J. Eggert, often referred to as the "Sage of Sedona." Forecasts are compiled by website editor Lee McPheters, research professor of economics in the W. P. Carey School of Business, who has studied the Western region for over two decades.

This summary report overviews a State of Arizona and U. S. Department of Energy funded drilling project to determine if near-term hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal potential exists in the eastern portion of the White Mountains region of Arizona. A 4,505 feet deep slim-hole exploratory well, Alpine1/Federal, was drilled within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at Alpine Divide near the Alpine Divide camp ground about 5 miles north of Alpine, Arizona in Apache County (Figure 1). A comprehensive technical report, in two parts, details the results of the project. Part 1, Alpine1/Federal, Drilling Report, discusses the drilling operations,
logging program, permitting and site selection for the hole. Part 2, Temperature Gradients, Geothermal Potential, and Geology, summarizes the temperature gradients, heat flow, geothermal potential, and subsurface geology.

Every state with geothermal resources faces different challenges to utilizing those resources to help meet their energy needs. The purpose of this report is to combine an analysis of relevant literature and interviews with industry stakeholders in Arizona with different perspectives, to understand what types of policies and actions public institutions can take to encourage greater development of Arizona’s geothermal resources. The research has been aided by previous study done on Utah and New Mexico, and ongoing study on Idaho and Nevada, which have helped create a framework for the research on Arizona. Over the course of the research numerous experts have been interviewed that are involved with geothermal resource development. Specifically for this report, the interviews include discussion with more than 15 individuals who have been involved with geothermal development in Arizona (including geologists, developers, utilities, regulators, consultants, direct-use facility operators, clean energy advocates and university researchers). Ultimately, after taking into consideration the broad spectrum of opinions, the findings of this report represent a general consensus or “majority viewpoint” of what various stakeholders agree are the overall needs to unlocking greater development in Arizona.