Arizona 2023 Regular Session

Arizona Senate Bill SB1439

Caption

State lands; leases; groundwater use

Impact

The bill directly affects the management of state lands and groundwater resources, as it seeks to ensure that the fees collected reflect the fair market value of the groundwater withdrawn. This legislative change is designed to promote sustainable use of water resources, aligning agricultural practices with regulatory frameworks aimed at conserving groundwater. By establishing a fee structure, the law aims to incentivize responsible water use among agricultural landowners, potentially influencing broader conservation efforts in the region.

Summary

SB1439 aims to amend the Arizona Revised Statutes by introducing a new section that establishes a groundwater withdrawal fee specifically for agricultural land leases located outside of active management areas and irrigation non-expansion areas. The bill mandates that lessees must report the location of their wells, the quantity of groundwater withdrawn, and the applications of water usage on an annual basis. This annual reporting must be completed by March 31 of each year, contributing to a more rigorous tracking of groundwater use in relation to state land.

Contention

While the bill may foster responsible water management, notable points of contention include the potential economic burden it may place on agricultural lessees. Critics may argue that the added fees and reporting requirements could disproportionately impact smaller farmers who already face various operational challenges. Furthermore, the classification of certain areas as active management areas versus irrigation non-expansion areas can lead to disputes over land classifications and the rights associated with groundwater access, sparking discussions about local control versus state oversight in resource management.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AZ SB1106

State lands; leases; groundwater use

AZ HB2358

State lands; leases; groundwater use.

AZ HB2399

Reporting; groundwater pumping; measuring

AZ SB1246

Groundwater pumping; measuring; reporting

AZ HB2857

Rural groundwater management

AZ HB2186

Brackish groundwater incentive

AZ HB2099

Active management area; groundwater right

AZ HB2063

Exempt wells; certificate; groundwater use

AZ SB1243

Groundwater sales; online exchange.

AZ HB2200

Groundwater transportation; Harquahala non-expansion area

Similar Bills

CA AB709

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans.

CA SB1220

Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans.

CA AB2201

Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.

CA AB828

Sustainable groundwater management: managed wetlands.

CA AB321

Groundwater sustainability agencies.

CA AB929

Sustainable groundwater management: managed wetlands.

CA AB1944

Sustainable groundwater management: San Luis Rey Valley Groundwater Basin.

CA SB315

Groundwater: groundwater sustainability agencies: probationary basins.