Governor Katie Hobbs announced a new bipartisan effort to secure Arizona's water future, proposing the 'Rural Groundwater Management Act' to create new agencies dedicated to water conservation and establish four rural groundwater management areas.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs unveiled a groundbreaking bipartisan initiative aimed at securing the state's water future. The ' Rural Groundwater Management Act,' as it's known, proposes the establishment of new agencies dedicated to water conservation, Hobbs announced during a press conference on January 30th.
The legislation seeks to create four distinct rural groundwater management areas within basins currently facing severe depletion, specifically targeting regions near Gila Bend, Kingman, Vicksburg, and Willcox. Notably, the Willcox Basin, which Hobbs had previously designated as an active management area, would be transitioned to the less stringent model outlined in the proposed legislation. Governor Hobbs emphasized that this plan rests upon fundamental principles that resonate with the character of Arizona and its rural communities. 'Our solution is rooted in core principles that reflect the spirit of Arizona and our rural neighbors,' Hobbs stated. 'Local choice, and local solutions, modernization of water management, protecting water and property rights. Leveraging expertise and resources. Safeguarding the future and creating prosperity for rural Arizona.' This comprehensive approach emerged from months of diligent negotiations between members of Arizona's Water Policy Council, showcasing a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.Hobbs further underscored her determination to act independently if the Legislature fails to reach a consensus during the current session. Proponents of the measure argue that it empowers local authorities with greater control over their water resources. Local conservative leaders, such as Prescott Mayor Phil Goode, have actively encouraged Republicans to view water management as a nonpartisan issue. 'Last time I checked, there wasn’t Democratic water and Republican water,' Goode asserted. 'There’s water for our state.' This unified stance underscores the shared responsibility and urgency in addressing Arizona's water challenges
WATER CONSERVATION Rural Groundwater Management Arizona Legislature Bipartisan Legislation Water Security
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