In Arizona, the ongoing struggle to manage scarce water resources has become a defining issue as the state grapples with drought, climate change, and increasing water demands. At the center of this debate is Rep. Gail Griffin, a prominent figure in the Republican-controlled Legislature, who has wielded significant influence over water and land use policies.
Griffin’s leadership has been controversial, especially among residents and lawmakers concerned about the consequences of unregulated groundwater extraction, which many argue is causing wells to dry up. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has identified Griffin as a key obstacle to passing legislation aimed at addressing these concerns.
With legislative solutions stalled, Gov. Hobbs has considered using executive action to impose regulations in specific regions, such as the Willcox Basin.
Rural Water Management Disputes
Gov. Hobbs began this year’s legislative session by suggesting new regulations on rural water pumping, but the proposal failed to gain Griffin’s approval. Instead, Griffin supported a different initiative allowing farmers to transfer their water rights to developers, which was one of the few water-related bills to pass.
Residents like Karen Weilacher remain frustrated by the lack of progress in expanding Arizona’s 1980 groundwater code to better manage rural water use. Weilacher, addressing a committee led by Griffin, used a symbolic gesture to express her discontent, emphasizing that “Water is life.”
Griffin has not publicly commented on her influence over water policy but has stated that Hobbs’ proposals could harm agriculture and rural economies. “As we work with stakeholders, we will continue to support private property rights and individual liberty while ensuring that any legislative solution protects local communities and our natural resource industries, allowing rural Arizona to grow,” Griffin said in an email to The Associated Press.
Preserving a Rural Lifestyle
Griffin, who has been a lawmaker since 1997, is deeply committed to maintaining a rural way of life. Former GOP House Speaker Rusty Bowers, a longtime friend, described her as unwavering in her principles.
In her hometown of Hereford, Griffin is known for her strong connection to rural values, even recounting a 2019 incident where she questioned the adequacy of calling authorities when a bear entered her home. Her approach to self-reliance and property protection has been a consistent theme in her political career.
Despite her influence, some constituents, like Cochise County farmer Ed Curry, have voiced concerns about the impact of unchecked water use. Curry, part of the governor’s water policy council, highlighted the challenges farmers face, stating, “Something has to be done.”
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