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On February 1, Audubon hosted our 8th annual Western Rivers Day at the Arizona Capitol. We host this occasion yearly to attach constituents with lawmakers and elevate the significance of the rivers, lakes, and streams that birds and folks depend on. Joined by native Audubon chapters, brewers, hunters, anglers, and out of doors fanatics, we advocated for wholesome water provides—for birds, wildlife, and folks. We mentioned our priorities for bettering Arizona’s water safety and defending groundwater with Arizona legislators.
Water is a forefront situation right here in Arizona, and this 12 months isn’t any exception. Audubon Southwest’s prime water priorities for Arizona’s 2024 legislative session, which started January 8, embody:
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Cross significant rural groundwater administration. A number of payments pertaining to rural groundwater administration have been launched, together with Home Invoice (H.B.) 2857, which accommodates the suggestions put ahead by the Governor’s Water Policy Council. This invoice requires conservation and permits locals to develop a groundwater administration objective and plan, with assist from the Arizona Division of Water Sources. It represents years of exhausting work and enter from rural Arizonans who need a extra versatile software to handle their groundwater.
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Help the Arizona Division of Water Sources and Arizona Division of Environmental High quality. This implies appropriately funding these state companies to allow them to perform their obligations to Arizona’s residents to handle, preserve, and shield water provides like rivers and groundwater.
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Shield current water administration instruments. Greater than 40 years in the past, Arizona handed the landmark 1980 Groundwater Administration Act. This legislation provides residents, companies, and farms in Energetic Administration Areas (AMAs) instruments to attain groundwater sustainability and to supply client protections. We should shield these sensible water insurance policies.
Advancing these priorities will enable Arizona’s rivers, communities, farms, companies, wildlife, habitat, and birds to thrive as we speak and for generations to come back. Be part of us by signing up for the Western Rivers Action Network to remain updated on Arizona water points and obtain calls to motion. You should utilize your voice as we speak to protect groundwater resources in Arizona.
