Tucson’s City Council’s August 6 vote to reject Project Blue was more than a local win, it was a line in the sand over how this city’s water and infrastructure will be used in the age of AI. Now, with developer Beale pursuing relocation to Marana, a nearby community whose water rights and public benefit protections could soon be tested. At the same time, the proposed Benson Aluminum Dynamics plant has raised its own concerns over large-scale industrial water use and unclear public returns. Together, these projects underscore that Arizona’s fight over how much public we give for private development is far from over.
–Written by Tucson resident Julie Dittmer.

Other industrial water use news:

• Arizona Daily Star (Tucson): Council moves to regulate big water guzzlers in Tucson
• ABC15 (Phoenix, Ariz.): Benson residents voice concern over aluminum recycling plant