Water was just a small part of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s State of the State address Monday, but significant policy proposals are expected this legislative session.
Ducey convened meetings last year to talk about potential changes to water laws. Negotiators have yet to release any detailed proposals.
In Monday’s address, Ducey harkened back to past leaders who made Arizona known for water management success.
“This session, we must follow their lead and put forward responsible policies that ensure Arizona speaks with one voice to secure our state’s future for generations to come," Ducey said.
Speaking with "one voice" is a phrase the state’s been using amid clashes with the Central Arizona Project. The CAP brings Colorado River water to the center of the state.
In the background is Arizona’s pending agreement with California and Nevada on how to prevent the Colorado from dipping below a certain threshold. That kind of drop would trigger automatic water cutbacks for some users.
