Gov. Hobbs announces bipartisan effort to secure water future for rural Arizona
AZ Gov. Hobbs announces groundwater legislation
"Governor Katie Hobbs, along with bipartisan state and local leaders will hold a press conference to announce legislation to protect rural families and farmers from out-of-state corporations pumping the state groundwater for their own profit."
PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced a new bipartisan effort to secure the state's water future.
The "Rural Groundwater Management Act" would create new agencies to conserve water, Hobbs said during a news conference on Jan. 30.
What we know:
According to Hobbs, the legislation would create four rural groundwater management areas in basins experiencing severe decline near Gila Bend, Kingman, Vicksburg and Willcox, and shift the Willcox Basin that Hobbs designated as an active management area to the less restrictive model proposed in the legislation.
"Our solution is rooted in core principles that reflect the spirit of Arizona and our rural neighbors," Hobbs said. "Local choice, and local solutions, modernization of water management, protecting water and property rights. Leveraging expertise and resoucres. Safeguarding the future and creating prosperity for rural Arizona."
The plan is the result of months of negotiations between members of Arizona's Water Policy Council.
Hobbs added that she would not hesitate to act unilaterally if the Legislature fails to come to an agreement this session.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks at the Arizona Democratic Election Night Watch Party on November 5, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
What they're saying:
Supporters say the measure gives local authorities more control over their water sources. Local conservative leaders, like Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, urged Republicans not to see water as a partisan issue.
"Last time I checked, there wasn’t Democratic water and Republican water," he said. "There’s water for our state."