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.
Lawmaker seeks $20M in groundwater funding for Pinal farmers
After the Legislature passed a broad package of water reforms last month, one lawmaker seeks additional funding for Pinal County farmers that wasn’t appropriated in the drought plan.
Gila River threatens to pull out of Drought Contingency Plan
A major player in the drought contingency plan on Thursday yanked its scheduled ratification of its part of the deal, potentially upending any chance of the state meeting the March 4 deadline set by the Bureau of Reclamation.
We must take care of the Colorado River for economic prosperity, life
The Colorado River is entrusted to us and is a vital source of water, life, and economic prosperity, but we must take care of it in return. Protecting the river and the water it provides will require us to develop resilient solutions that reduce water consumption and efficiently share the river’s waters.
The Breakdown: About that DCP deadline
At long last, the Arizona Legislature has voted to sign onto the multi-state Drought Contingency Plan. Why then does it seem we’re not out of the *ahem* water yet?
Feds to Arizona, California: Drought plan not complete
Despite much fanfare over Arizona’s Legislature passing and Gov. Doug Ducey signing drought plan legislation Thursday, the Department of the Interior is stepping in because federal officials say the drought plan isn’t done.
Pressure mounts on Stringer facing ethics probe, lost influence
At a time when Arizona’s water future and questions of how to use a massive budget surplus should be dominating lawmakers’ time, the House is instead embroiled in a scandal that could end with the ouster of a Republican representative.
Ducey signs ‘historic’ Colorado River drought plan legislation
The governor and lawmakers celebrated passage of the Drought Contingency Plan bills as a “historic” moment that showed the state could work together to head off drastic water shortfalls on the Colorado River.
Gila River threatens to pull out of drought contingency plan
The Gila River Indian Community is threatening to blow up the drought contingency plan because of efforts it says will undermine its claim to water rights.
Ducey proposes pay raises for nearly half of state employees in $11.4 billion budget
Gov. Doug Ducey wants to grant pay raises to nearly half of all state employees, with an emphasis on boosting salaries for law enforcement and corrections officers.
Democrats: Water plan missing conservation requirement
House Democrats are balking at ratifying a proposed drought contingency plan over what they see as a key missing element.
Cities, farmers fight over water conservation plan
An organization that represents major Arizona cities is effectively warning Pinal County farmers not to demand more in the proposed drought contingency plan.