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Why proposed rural groundwater control bills are bad
There has been a lot of talk recently about rural groundwater bills not getting a hearing at the Arizona Legislature. Over the years, proposed legislation has gone by many names, including “Groundwater Conservation Areas,” “Special Management Areas,” “Rural Management Areas,” and “Local Groundwater Stewardship Areas.” Regardless of the name, the concept is the same, and all are bad[...]
Supreme Court rules against Navajo Nation in Colorado River water rights case
The Supreme Court ruled against the Navajo Nation on Thursday in a dispute involving water from the drought-stricken Colorado River.
Arizona, California, Nevada reach agreement on Colorado River water conservation
Arizona, California and Nevada reached an agreement to cut their use of Colorado River water in exchange for massive federal payments.
Justices grapple over Navajo water rights, government’s duty to tribe
Supreme Court justices pressed government attorneys Monday on their argument that the treaties that put the Navajo on reservation lands implied an intent – but not a duty – for the government to provide water to the tribe.
Supreme Court hears Navajo water rights case with potentially big impact
When the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments Monday in Arizona v. Navajo Nation, it will be considering fairly technical legal questions, but the answers could have a large impact on water allocation in the Colorado River basin.
Feds want justices to end Navajo fight for Colorado River water
States that rely on water from the over-tapped Colorado River want the U.S. Supreme Court to block a lawsuit from the Navajo Nation that could upend how water is shared in the Western U.S.
After long fight, tribal water bills get primary OK; far from final
A trio of bills affecting water rights and infrastructure for Arizona tribes took a step closer to becoming law Wednesday, a move one official said his tribe has been waiting for since being forced onto the reservation.
High court to hear water dispute between Navajo Nation, U.S. government
The Supreme Court says it will hear a water dispute involving the U.S. government and the Navajo Nation.
New water law helps conservation work for all Arizonans
Governor Ducey recently signed important legislation that updates how Arizona’s longstanding “use it or lose it” water policy is applied. That’s good news for Arizonans, our economy and the environment. Under the new law, HB2056, water right holders such as ranchers and farmers can intentionally and voluntarily leave their water in a stream without fear of losing their water rights through[...]
Water rights for tribes is environmental justice
This month, the comment period for a potentially landmark piece of legislation ended. Since California v. Arizona in 2000, the Colorado River Indian Tribes have the sole rights to more than 600,000 acres-feet of water from the Colorado River, but they are barred from selling or leasing any of this water to outside communities.
Lawmaker to push bill banning sale of Colorado River rights
As far as Rep. Regina Cobb, R-Kingman, is concerned, she has just begun to fight. Cobb remains steadfast against a deal that allows a farm along the Colorado River to sell millions of gallons of water to the city of Queen Creek.
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.
