Groundwater special session unlikely in election year
Republican and Democrat legislative leaders are skeptical that Gov. Katie Hobbs will call a special session for groundwater legislation, despite the governor’s staff saying her office is close to a deal with Republican lawmakers.
We need collaboration over cynicism to solve groundwater challenges
I don’t know what the future holds for all the work we accomplished in the past year, but the Arizona Farm Bureau will continue to stay engaged and vigilant on behalf of Arizona’s farm and ranch families. I agree with others who have said that we are very close – mostly due to the enormous concessions agriculture has made.
Hobbs vetoes slew of water bills
Gov. Katie Hobbs on Wednesday vetoed five bills changing water laws in Arizona, concluding they would cause more harm than good.
Gov. Hobbs floats special session on water – opposition surfaces
Gov. Katie Hobbs is open to calling a special session of the Legislature this year to address the state’s groundwater issues if Democrats and Republicans can come to an agreement on legislation, an administration official announced at the Governor’s Water Policy Council meeting June 18.
Gov. Hobbs vetoes bills to curb AG’s groundwater plan
Gov. Katie Hobbs won't let Republican lawmakers strip away the right of Attorney General Kris Mayes to sue the owners of corporate farms whose groundwater pumping dries up the wells of their neighbors.
Bill to close groundwater loophole on hold
While the state grapples with housing shortfalls and officials work on water management solutions, a loophole allowing homebuilders to bypass certification requirements may remain unaddressed for another year.
Reform water law to include the environment
Our current water laws and policies are unsustainable for the future. We see a small amount of potential progress, but most of the current legislative proposals further weaken water management. Much more needs to be done to achieve a sustainable water supply and to protect our rivers. Our economy, our well-being, and our wildlife depend on a healthy environment, which includes rivers and springs.
GOP bill would strike ‘gender’ from state law, limit sex to male, female
GOP senators want to rewrite state law to define sex as only male and female and not “a person’s subjective sense of self,” a move they said will protect women and girls from “unwanted intrusions” by transgender women.
Lawmakers, farmers oppose plan to address water shortage in Gila Bend
A GOP senator joined forces with Gila Bend farmers to oppose a decision from the Governor’s Water Policy Council to hold a hearing surrounding the potential declaration of Gila Bend as an “Active Management Area” Tuesday.
Farmer, rural lawmaker leave Governor’s Water Council
Two key members of the Governor's Water Policy Council have quit, potentially threatening the chances of any action to deal with a depleting water supply in rural Arizona.
Money, conservation slows water authority bill
For most of this session, lawmakers have been working with stakeholders of various interests to cobble together legislation that addresses Arizona’s water woes, but concerns over conservation and money have slowed progress.
Senate leadership scramble, 3 eye presidency
The Senate is preparing to select new leadership next year in both parties, and three Republicans seem confident that they can win the presidency.