A monthly members-only column by Alan Dulaney
The Arizona Legislature remains in session, and water-related bills continue to be debated and voted upon. One bill could signal a shift in the way the groundwater resources of remote basins with smaller populations are viewed by the cities of Maricopa and Pima Counties.
HB 2758 would allow groundwater pumping from wells in McMullen Valley for transport primarily to the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA). The bill is sponsored by Representative Gail Griffin, who chairs the House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee. It has already passed the House and is now before the Senate, where passage seems likely. Support is not overwhelming. When viewing the comments on the bill, there are many more in opposition than those in favor. In an unexpected twist, the bill is supported by the cities, developers, ranchers, and farmers, who are not often joined in a common cause. You can see the details of the bill and its status here.
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