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Seeking balance between flexibility, certainty in water policy
Given appropriate and relatively predictable conservation requirements, coupled with programs that promote and reward voluntary conservation, and flexibility in water rights to allow for rural economies to adapt to the future, our rural communities will continue to be vibrant and successful for a long time to come.
Groundwater management needs leadership from ground up
For the past several years, nearly every iteration of legislation to create a management framework for groundwater in rural Arizona has failed. A successful model must incorporate a significant leadership role for agricultural landowners to take the lead in water management, and more importantly, conservation.
Fighting for rural Arizona, not for footnotes
The latest attempt to protect Arizona’s water resources does not reflect the long-term, collaborative, and courageous efforts that have been the bedrock of water policy in Arizona.
Biden heads west for a policy victory lap, drawing an implicit contrast with Trump
President Joe Biden is setting out Monday on a Western swing aimed at showcasing his work on conservation, clean energy and veterans' benefits as he seeks to draw an implicit contrast between his administration's accomplishments and former President Donald Trump's legal troubles.
Getting Colorado River water from California farms will take more than just money
The Imperial Valley produces $2.9 billion in crops and livestock each year. That’s because the valley’s Imperial Irrigation District holds the largest single allocation of Colorado River water – bigger than any other farming district or city between Wyoming and Mexico. But now, that water allocation is under increasing scrutiny from water managers looking to cut back on water use and correct[...]
Meet the Colorado River’s newest – and youngest – power player
JB Hamby is a water policy bigwig, who helps shape policies that define how water is used by arguably the most influential water users along the Colorado River. He serves on the board of directors for the Imperial Irrigation District and was recently appointed to be California’s top water negotiator. And he’s only 27 years old.
Arizona’s water future depends on new supplies
None of us has a crystal ball, but we can be certain that our water future will require a variety of adaptive changes.
Lawmakers spar over BLM plan to weigh conservation in land-use decisions
A Bureau of Land Management rule that would, for the first time, count conservation as a legitimate use for public lands, along with mining, logging and other uses, is an “offensive” overreach of federal authority, Republicans said Thursday.
Feds: Gopher tortoise not threatened over most of its range
Gopher tortoises — burrowers whose extensive homes shelter many other animals — are generally doing well and need federal protection only in the small area where they were declared threatened 35 years ago, according to the federal government, though the decision is likely to disappoint an Arizona-based environmental organization.
Gubernatorial candidates tout drought plans
As election season heats up, politicians and activists are voicing their opinions on how elected officials can work together toward a solution to the drought plaguing the state.
Draft bill of major water plan surfaces
Legislators are passing around a draft bill that would deliver Gov. Doug Ducey’s promised Arizona Water Authority – a new state agency charged with hunting down new water sources and... […]
Drought plan implementation must emphasize sustainability
I recommend that the Water Augmentation Council comprise a broad and diverse representation of all stakeholders, including agricultural and climate scientists, public health professionals, and concerned citizens representing our state’s mainstream population, including parents, teachers, community leaders and – yes – our children.
