by Ethan Faverino | Sep 15, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
In a decision advancing American energy dominance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule granting the State of Arizona full primacy to control all classes of underground injection wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
This approval positions Arizona as the primary regulator for protecting its underground sources of drinking water, while developing economic growth and innovation in clean energy technologies.
The move aligns with the EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which emphasizes delivering clean and safe water to every American, restoring U.S. energy leadership, and empowering states to manage their own resources with local expertise.
By delegating authority to Arizona, the federal government recognizes the state’s unparalleled understanding of its unique water challenges and business landscape.
“Efficient and effective permitting is essential to bolstering American industry and unleashing energy dominance while protecting our nation’s water resources,“ said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “States know their water resources best and understand the needs of their business community; entrusting them to take on permitting makes common sense. I am excited to see the economic growth that will be spurred by granting Arizona primacy to regulate underground injection under the Safe Drinking Water Act.”
The approval enables the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to oversee permitting and enforcement for all underground injection wells, including Class I wells for hazardous waste storage— ensuring these operations occur far below drinking water aquifers—and Class VI wells, critical for carbon capture and storage.
Following technical and legal review, the EPA confirmed that Arizona’s Underground Injection Control (UIC) program fully complies with SDWA standards. ADEQ will now handle authorizations and compliance monitoring with the EPA retaining oversight and permitting authority for wells on Indian Lands, except for Class II wells on Navajo Nation lands, because the Nation already holds primacy.
The move got the support from Arizona’s congressional delegation, emphasizing the significance of federalism and local priorities.
“Our Founding Fathers were clear in their commitment to states’ rights and a small federal government. Individual states must have the power to govern in the best interests of their own people. This ruling affirms that Arizona—not Washington bureaucrats—is best equipped to protect our water, foster economic growth, and ensure the well-being of our citizens. It is a key step in ensuring access to safe drinking water for Arizona communities for years to come. No one understands Arizona’s communities and resources better than Arizonans ourselves,” said Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05). “I am grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for their commitment to slashing needless regulations and restoring authority to the states. This is a victory for federalism, for common sense, and for the people of Arizona.”
“Arizona understands our land, our water, and our energy needs better than anyone in Washington ever could. Granting primacy to our state of the Underground Injection Control program is a recognition that local expertise and innovation should lead the way,” said Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06). “It means that Arizona will now oversee the permitting for all underground injection wells, including Class VI wells essential for carbon capture and storage—a critical part of a secure and cleaner energy future, and Class I wells, which store hazardous waste far below drinking water resources critical for the health of all Arizonans. This step is a win for clean water, a win for responsible energy development, and a win for our economy.”
“I want to thank Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its underground sources of drinking water. This rule will allow us to provide clean and safe water for every Arizonan while bringing more and exciting economic opportunities to our great state,” said Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08). “This rule will strengthen Arizona’s ability to manage our future for our families.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also praised the decision as a pivotal achievement for the state saying, “Today’s decision is a major milestone for Arizona. By granting our state primacy over underground injection wells, the EPA is once again recognizing that Arizona is best positioned to protect its water and natural resources. This authority allows us to safeguard the integrity of our groundwater, while also supporting responsible economic growth and clean energy development. With this step, Arizona gains the tools to lead on sustainable environmental management and innovation for years to come.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 9, 2025 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The citizens of Gilbert are bracing for a third water rate increase since 2024 on top of the 2025 sales tax increase that resulted in legal action against the town in January 2025. The new rate increase, following a 95% increase in the town’s utility wastewater rate, could see the town’s water rate jump up another 25%.
Gilbert Water Manager Rebecca Hamill revealed in a Town Council study session last week that the rate hike could be necessary based on Gilbert’s biannual utility rate analysis and adjustments, according to the Gilbert Sun News.
As previously reported by AZ Free News, there were no utility rate increases from 2019 to 2021, until a 29.6 percent jump in 2022, followed by a 48 percent increase in 2024 and a 25 percent increase in 2025, resulting in a staggering hike of 102.4 percent over 2021 rates.
“Arizona and Gilbert are facing uncertainty in water resources and providing a secure water supply is a top priority for our department,” Hamill told the council. “One of the main impacts on the budget is these increasing water resources costs, and we have seen since 2020 a 73% increase in the per acre-foot cost of CAP (Central Arizona Project) water, and we continue to see an increase in the percentage of the water resources as a component of the overall water budget,” she added.
Hamill explained that the Town of Gilbert’s water portfolio includes 40 percent of its potable water coming from the Salt and Verde Rivers, with 41 percent coming from the Colorado River via the CAP, 15 percent coming from the reclaimed recharge system water, and just four percent coming from groundwater. She described the town’s water sources as “diverse,” despite 81 percent of it being dependent on surface water and 41 percent subject to fluctuations in Colorado River water allocation.
As noted by the Gilbert Sun News, the town is in the early stages of reconstructing the North Water Treatment Plant to supply 70 percent of the town’s needs or approximately 60 million gallons per day, but it is only nearing the halfway point of its completion in October and is not expected to come online until 2028, according to the most current project update. This leaves the Town of Gilbert effectively at the mercy of a myriad of factors beyond the town’s control for at least the next two and a half years, with the town forced to defer $151 million in future water system improvements.
“The bill is typically made up of rates and fees for four lines of service, including water, sewer, solid waste, recycling and environmental compliance,” Hamill told the outlet. “We refer to each of these four lines of service as enterprise funds, which means that each fund operates as a self-sustaining business entity within the town. Revenue collected for each service is only used to fund that service.”
The increase is part and parcel to the cash/bond gradual approach the Town approved in February 2024.
“This is where we are now – we are working with our rate consultant to determine that 25% is the proper number for the fund,” Hamill told the council. “This option provided the (water) fund with sufficient revenue for critical capital projects, ongoing $5 million capacity in the operating fund, and an ongoing $66 million capacity in the repair and replacement fund starting in FY29.”
As a result of the delays in the Water Treatment Plant reconstruction, caused in part by an increase in the cost of chemical and electrical components, coupled with its dependence on sources susceptible to environmental and political factors, the Town government is turning to the public and conservation efforts in an attempt to stem the rising costs of the water system. Mayor Scott Anderson explained, “We have to remember it costs, and it’s going to cost more over time, to purchase the water, to transport the water, to treat the water, and to distribute the water. It’s going to cost more all the time – we can’t lose sight of that,” he emphasized. “Conservation is the key.”
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.
by Jonathan Eberle | Jun 19, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate Republicans introduced a new state budget proposal Monday that aims to deliver a balanced fiscal plan while investing in public safety, education, infrastructure, water, and public health — all without raising taxes.
Senate leaders emphasized that their budget reflects bipartisan priorities and presents a path forward to avoid a looming government shutdown.
“This is a bipartisan budget the Republican majority can fully support and the governor will sign,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “We are protecting the interests of Arizona by boosting pay for public safety personnel and increasing public safety resources to support safer communities.”
Petersen added that the proposal includes key investments in transportation and infrastructure, with a focus on road projects that support economic growth. The budget also addresses water security and enhancements to Arizona’s public health system.
“The governor has been adamant she will veto the House budget,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman John Kavanagh. “With the possibility of a government shutdown in a matter of days, we must move forward with our conservative spending plan, and we’re calling on our colleagues in both chambers to support it.”
Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope offered a blunt assessment of the House proposal, describing it as a “fantasyland budget.”
“Elections have consequences,” Shope said. “We are in an era of divided government, and we must proceed as such. Republicans can’t get everything they want, and neither can Democrats. We did very well with protecting and funding our Republican priorities.”
Lawmakers face a deadline to approve a spending plan before a potential government shutdown later this week.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Jonathan Eberle | May 23, 2025 | News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed legislation that would have allowed residents in voter-established Active Management Areas (AMAs), including the newly created Douglas AMA, to revisit their groundwater management designation after ten years.
The bill, HB 2089, was sponsored by Representative Gail Griffin (R–LD19), who argued that the measure was about preserving local control and ensuring that rural communities retain a voice in long-term water policy decisions.
“This bill simply would have allowed voters to revisit a decision they made ten years earlier. It respected the voice of the people — not silenced it,” Griffin said in a statement responding to the veto. “The Governor’s action undermines the ability of rural communities to self-govern and respond to future conditions.”
Under current Arizona law, AMAs are designated areas where groundwater is heavily regulated in an effort to manage overdraft and promote sustainable use. The Douglas AMA was approved by voters in 2022 in response to growing concerns over aquifer depletion in southeastern Arizona. The law established that AMA did not include an option for voters to re-evaluate the decision in the future — a gap HB 2089 sought to address.
Rep. Griffin and other rural lawmakers have expressed concern over what they describe as heavy-handed regulation from Phoenix that may not reflect the economic realities of agricultural communities. In a press release, the Arizona House Republican Caucus also criticized the Governor’s broader approach to groundwater management, particularly in the Willcox Basin, where the administration is reportedly pursuing a 50% reduction in groundwater overdraft by 2075.
The veto is the latest flashpoint in an ongoing debate between state leadership and rural lawmakers over how best to balance groundwater conservation with agricultural and economic needs. It remains unclear whether supporters of the measure will seek to reintroduce similar legislation in future sessions.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | May 21, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
The city of Phoenix will base its next climate, energy, and food policies on a community survey.
The city’s Office of Environmental Programs (OEP) has an ongoing survey this month in which they offer a $100 VISA gift card drawing as a reward.
The bulk of the questions provide insight as to the potential policy directions the city is looking to take to address climate, energy, and food.
The survey suggested the greatest barriers to addressing climate change may be lack of public information and education, motivation to address climate change, government mandated regulations/support, business or industry support, and public-private coordination; cost of implementation; and difficulty in changing individual behaviors.
The following were proposed incentives for public and alternative modes of transportation: increasing the options, routes, and frequencies of public busing and light rail; increasing infrastructure and safety measures for pedestrian and bicycle transportation; increasing electric vehicle infrastructure; and establishing subsidies for installing electric vehicle chargers in homes and businesses.
Potential policies for aiding in heat relief were also presented: improving access to affordable electricity to reduce electricity costs related to cooling systems; increasing shade by planting more trees and installing shade structures; incorporating heat reducing materials into construction of new or remodeled buildings; using cooling materials and techniques in street surfaces, parking lots, and roofing; and subsidizing the replacement of old cooling systems for energy efficiency.
The survey offered policy proposals for drinking water supply: offering residential and commercial tiered water rate structure plans and rebates for those who adopt water conservation and climate adaptation practices; increasing access to rainwater harvesting, water storage, and wastewater conversion infrastructure; incentivizing and subsidizing residential replacement of lawns to xeriscape or artificial grass or turf; and implementing an education initiative for residential and business/commercial/industrial water conservation.
The survey also requested some insight into residents’ current conservation practices.
Residents were asked to divulge information about their cooling and heating systems and their satisfaction with their function and cost. The survey also sought to learn residents’ financial stability, the impact of their utility bills on their finances, and energy assistance program participation.
Residents were also asked about their food acquisition and consumption practices. In relation to these questions, the survey asked residents to reflect on potential food-related policies: transportation support such as free shuttle services, transit passes, fruit and veggie home delivery; a map of community food access points such as gardens, farmers markets, food box sites; vouchers or assistance for food; neighborhood-based food outlets at corner stores, transit stops, schools, and community spaces; physical spaces to grow food in neighborhoods such as community gardens; and education programs with supplies and hands-on training for gardening.
Residents were also asked to prioritize policies to reduce the environmental impact of food reduction; encourage sustainable farming practices; reduce food insecurity and hunger; increase access to local food; prevent and reduce food waste; educate the community about healthy eating; develop opportunities for new local food businesses; and protect or add new space for farmland or greenspace.
The survey also asks respondents to share where they obtain their information on climate change, the word that comes to mind when they hear the term “climate change,” how often they think about climate change, and their feelings about climate change (whether they are worried, anxious, fearful, overwhelmed, or motivated to take action).
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