By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes recently suggested the state “probably” has too many golf courses during an interview on water shortages, conservation, and restrictions on new data centers, drawing criticism from Republicans.
Speaking with host Zack Colman on the POLITICO Energy podcast, Mayes advocated tax incentives for removing grass and installing rainwater collection systems before questioning the number of golf courses operating in Arizona.
“We could do tax incentives to advocate for rainwater catchment systems. We could do tax incentives for taking out grass. We have way too much grass in Arizona,” Mayes said.
“We probably, frankly — and I’m sure the golf industry is not going to like this when I say this — we probably have too many golf courses in Arizona right now.”
The remarks came after Colman asked about the imbalance between Arizona’s water supplies and consumption and whether difficult options were being left unexplored.
Mayes responded by criticizing Republican lawmakers.
“Well, the Republican legislature out here has left everything off the table,” she said. “I mean, they really haven’t done anything when it comes to promoting conservation. We could do a hell of a lot more when it comes to conservation.”
Her subsequent golf-course comments circulated on X. Brian Anderson characterized the remarks as a pledge “to get rid of golf courses if re-elected.”
Tyler Bowyer also criticized Mayes, writing, “She wants to get rid of GOLF COURSES.”
In the interview exchange, Mayes did not identify courses she wanted closed, propose a prohibition on new courses, or describe an enforcement mechanism for reducing the number.
The words immediately following her golf course statement were Colman’s question shifting the discussion to data centers.
“So could they also, the legislature, pass laws on data center water use? Because I do want to get to data centers,” he said.
“Yes, 100%,” Mayes replied.
Mayes then outlined possible restrictions on data-center development, including a ban and requirements for developers to secure water supplies.
“And I think you’re going to see multiple pieces of legislation this next session to rein in data centers,” she said. “There could be a ban proposed, like I have already proposed.”
Later in the exchange, she described her position as supporting “a pause and a temporary ban.”
Mayes argued that demands from data centers on electricity generation also affect water consumption. She said facilities using closed-loop cooling systems could still increase demand for power plants that consume water.
Colman challenged her position, asking whether the alternative was to forgo data-center development.
“Correct. You can build them in Mississippi,” Mayes responded.
Asked how that position fit Arizona’s efforts to become a technology hub, she pointed to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s expanding presence and argued that semiconductor production did not require locating additional data centers in Arizona.
“You can be a tech hub and not build data centers,” she said.
Mayes said her staff’s research identified approximately 50 additional data centers planned or under construction in Arizona. She suggested other locations, including Illinois and areas near the Great Lakes or the Mississippi River, as possible locations for data centers.
The interview also addressed Colorado River litigation, groundwater pumping, and Mayes’ use of nuisance law. Discussing an investigation into a data center under construction in Ahwatukee, Mayes said individual enforcement actions had limits.
“But I will say, using nuisance law is a little bit like playing whack-a-mole,” she said. “Again, we need a statewide plan.”
Responding to criticism in a post on X, Mayes wrote, “Relax, nobody’s closing golf courses. My point is we need incentives to help all Arizonans and major industries swap thirsty grass and catch rainwater.”
Mayes also accused her opponent of making false claims. Her response did not retract her earlier statement that Arizona probably has too many golf courses.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
