Democrats plan to reform Arizona’s groundwater management rules
Major reforms to Arizona’s groundwater management are likely now that Democrats have won control of the Legislature. Senate President-Elect Priya Sundareshan proposed a massive overhaul of Arizona’s rules on groundwater management in January 2025, but the legislation died without even getting a committee hearing. The Rural Groundwater Management Act would have allowed rural communities to create their own water management programs and set conservation goals – shutting down what Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office described as a “free-for-all in rural Arizona on unprotected, vulnerable groundwater aquifers.” Sundareshan and state Rep. Chris Mathis worked with local leaders in rural Arizona on the legislation. Now, with a second term for Hobbs and Democratic majorities in both chambers starting in January, Sundareshan will have another chance.
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