Here’s a breakdown of the key details from the provided text, focusing on the situation in Arizona’s Ranegras Plain:
The Problem:
* Declining Water Levels: Water levels in the Ranegras Plain aquifer are plummeting. Wells have dropped over 200 feet in the last 40 years, and pumping has increased in the last decade.
* Land Subsidence: The land is sinking (“land has been sinking”) as the aquifer is depleted.
* Focus on Fondomonte: A large saudi-owned agricultural company, fondomonte, is a central point of contention. Residents question why they can export water-intensive crops (hay) while local communities struggle.
The State’s Response (Governor Katie Hobbs):
* New Regulations: The state is prohibiting further irrigation of farmland in the affected part of La Paz County.
* Reporting requirements: High-capacity well owners must report their water usage.
* Local Involvement: A local advisory council will be formed, and a plan to reduce water use is required.
* public Support: The decision was made after receiving over 400 public comments, with the vast majority in support.
* Hobbs’ Stance: Governor Hobbs is taking a proactive approach, refusing to ignore the problem and promising solutions for rural communities.
Legal Action:
* Attorney general Lawsuit: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against Fondomonte, alleging their excessive pumping violates the law and causes negative consequences (declining groundwater, land subsidence, worsening water quality). This lawsuit will continue alongside the new regulations.
Reactions:
* Fondomonte’s Response: The company claims to use ”progressive, efficient agricultural practices” and has invested in water conservation technology. They state they will comply with regulations.
* Local Supervisor’s Relief: La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin (a Republican) is pleased with the state’s action, seeing it as a way to protect the community and prevent further expansion of similar large-scale farms.
In essence, the article details a critical water crisis in a part of Arizona, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices, and the state’s attempt to address it through regulation and legal action.
