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Federal judge halts Arizona lithium drilling amid tribal concerns
A federal judge temporarily stopped exploratory lithium drilling in Arizona after the Hualapai Tribe argued it would harm sacred lands.
In short:
- The Hualapai Tribe and environmental groups sued to stop drilling near sacred springs in northwestern Arizona.
- The tribe argues the Bureau of Land Management's approval violated laws protecting historic and cultural sites.
- A hearing on a longer-term injunction is scheduled for September 17 in Phoenix.
Key quote:
“Like other tribal nations who for centuries have stewarded the lands across this country, the Hualapai people are under siege by mining interests trying to make a buck off destroying their cultural heritage.”
— Laura Berglan, Earthjustice lawyer
Why this matters:
The case highlights the conflict between green energy initiatives and the preservation of Indigenous cultural sites, raising questions about the balance between environmental progress and respecting sacred lands.
Related:
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Mining threatens Arizona's scarce water supply
As copper mining demands increase across the state, concerns over water scarcity arise.
In short:
- The need for the so-called "energy transition minerals", such as copper and uranium, has created a mining boom in Arizona
- Nearly 80% of Arizona lacks groundwater regulation, allowing copper mines to use unlimited water, impacting local aquifers
- The 1872 Mining Law allows easy staking of mining claims on federal land without royalties, leading to potential overuse of water by foreign mining companies
- As a result, proposed mines, like Faraday Copper's project near Mammoth, Arizona, could deplete water resources vital to communities and ecosystems, causing concern among residents and environmentalists.
Key quote:
“People need to be aware that foreign companies are coming in and are allowed to take as much water as they need”
— Naelyn Pike, member of Apache Stronghold fighting the proposed Resolution Copper mine in Superior, Arizona.
Why this matters:
Unregulated mining in Arizona threatens critical water resources, impacting local communities and ecosystems. As demand for copper rises, sustainable management of water resources becomes increasingly important to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
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Farmers use solar panels to protect crops and conserve water
Arizona farmers are adopting solar panels to shade crops, conserve water, and generate power, aided by federal programs.
In short:
- Solar panels over crops provide shade, reducing water evaporation and protecting plants from extreme heat.
- The University of Arizona's agrivoltaics research shows increased soil moisture and crop yields with less water use.
- Federal programs like the Rural Energy for America Program offer loans and grants to support farmers in implementing renewable energy systems.
Key quote:
“Agrivoltaics actually helped us get even more bean production because now we were providing the shade, so they were less stressed.”
— Greg Barron-Gafford, University of Arizona professor
Why this matters:
Combining solar energy with farming helps Arizona combat drought, reduce water use, and increase crop yields. This sustainable approach supports farmers and aligns with broader environmental goals.
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The US plans solar panels over canals on tribal land in Arizona
A pilot project on tribal land in Arizona will cover a half-mile of the Casa Blanca Canal with solar panels, aiming to generate clean energy and reduce water evaporation.
In short:
- The Casa Blanca Canal project will be the first U.S. solar-covered canal, generating 1.3 megawatts of power.
- The project, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to demonstrate benefits like reduced evaporation and algae growth.
- If successful, it could pave the way for similar installations nationwide, potentially generating 25 gigawatts of clean energy.
Key quote:
“Canal solar allows for greater power production per land size, cleaner water, less power transmission losses, and significant reduction in evaporation.”
— Ben Lepley, founder of Tectonicus
Why this matters:
Solar panels over canals offer a dual benefit of producing renewable energy and conserving water. This innovation could significantly contribute to the U.S. clean energy goals while addressing environmental concerns.
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Extreme heat is driving Arizona’s political debate on climate change
Arizona is experiencing severe climate impacts, making climate change a critical issue for voters and politicians in the 2024 elections.
In short:
- Arizona has seen a 1,000% increase in heat-related deaths over the past decade, with intense droughts, wildfires, and floods becoming more common.
- Climate change concerns dominate local political debates, influencing legislation and voter priorities in this battleground state.
- Republican legislators are divided on climate policies, with some controversial bills being killed due to internal disagreements.
Key quote:
“This year, we’ve seen the widest margin in favor of conservation.”
— Dave Metz, pollster
Why this matters:
With rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and more frequent wildfires, the state's voters and politicians are feeling the heat—literally and figuratively. The situation is pushing climate policy to the forefront of political discourse, compelling candidates to address environmental sustainability and resilience.
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Water rights sales raise concerns in Arizona's small towns
Greenstone Resource Partners LLC sold water rights from Cibola, Arizona, to the Queen Creek suburb, sparking local fears and broader implications for water scarcity management.
In short:
- Greenstone purchased nearly 500 acres in Cibola and later sold the water rights for a significant profit, redirecting water to Queen Creek, 200 miles away.
- The transaction, conducted without a thorough environmental review, is now under legal scrutiny, with fears it sets a precedent for future large-scale water transfers.
- Local residents and officials are alarmed, fearing this could lead to more agricultural land being sacrificed for urban water supplies.
Key quote:
"Here we are in the middle of a drought and trying to preserve the Colorado River, and we’re allowing water to be transferred off of the river."
— Regina Cobb, former state representative
Why this matters:
In regions where water scarcity is already a pressing issue, the commodification of water rights by private entities like Greenstone Resource Partners can worsen existing challenges. As these companies amass water rights, they gain significant control over access to water, potentially leading to price hikes and limited availability for local residents, farmers, and small businesses.
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Credit: Brigitte Werner/Pixabay
Navigating the waters of the Rio Grande legal battle
The Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could end a long-standing dispute over the Rio Grande's waters among Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
In short:
- The Supreme Court will review a proposed agreement between Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado to settle a decade-long lawsuit over the Rio Grande, despite federal objections.
- The deal aims to resolve conflicts arising from New Mexico's groundwater pumping, which Texas claims violates the Rio Grande Compact.
- A special master recommended the Court approve the states' settlement, but the outcome remains uncertain as the Court has previously rejected such recommendations.
Key quote:
"If this settlement proves to be able to get it resolved in a decade, it is, I would say, a positive development, as we look at the challenges of interstate water management, as rivers are more and more affected by climate change."
— Reed Benson, professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law
Why this matters:
At the heart of the dispute is how much water each state is entitled to under the compact, with Texas arguing that New Mexico has been using more than its fair share, thereby reducing flows into Texas. New Mexico contends it needs to balance its water use for agriculture, population growth, and environmental conservation. The states have attempted to find common ground through negotiations, but the underlying issues of water rights, usage, and conservation remain contentious.
In 2023, the federal government decided that while the Navajo Nation does have water rights, established by Winters Doctrine, it will not help the Nation assert those rights.
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