PHX Reporter

After extensive collaboration among various stakeholders, including lawmakers, farmers, ranchers, and other industrial entities, Senate Republicans in Arizona have announced the passage of a new plan to manage rural groundwater. The legislation, known as SB 1221, was spearheaded by Senate Majority Whip Sine Kerr and has been passed by the Senate.

SB 1221 is designed to allow citizens to form and manage groundwater basins while preserving local economies. Once a Basin Management Area is established through local petitions and County Board of Supervisor actions, qualified basins with accelerated declines will cap new groundwater pumping. This approach aims to maintain flexibility for community growth while protecting local economies. The bill emphasizes voluntary conservation efforts to improve basin health and benefit aquifers.

Senator Kerr stated: "From agriculture to commercial, and every industry in between, SB 1221 reflects the voices of our citizens from all across Arizona and empowers rural communities to take charge in safeguarding our most precious resource for generations to come." She highlighted the role of farmers and ranchers as water stewards whose input was vital in crafting this policy.

The legislation also allows communities within a Basin Management Area to opt for further water regulation by upgrading their designation to an Active Basin Management Area. This would enable voters in the region to elect council members responsible for implementing their goals.

Kerr expressed confidence that this tool would help Arizona continue its trajectory of effective water management: "Because of a history of forward-thinking collaboration on water management demonstrated in Arizona, we use less water today than we did four decades ago." She urged the Governor to sign the bill as it progresses through the legislative process.