Environment

passed both · Arizona · House Apr 21, 2026

HCR 2020: for-sale housing; development; groundwater replenishment

HCR 2020 is a non-binding legislative resolution expressing support for for-sale housing developments outside designated water service areas, provided they enroll in the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) and replenish groundwater as required by Arizona's water rules. It directly affects new housing projects in Phoenix, Pinal, and Tucson active management areas by requiring groundwater replenishment to offset usage. The resolution highlights that CAGRD has enabled over 400,000 homes to be built without impacting groundwater tables since 1995, aligning with existing state water management requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires groundwater replenishment for housing developments, conserving a natural resource per Arizona water rules.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · Arizona · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2278: financial assurance; reclamation; escrow; trusts

HB 2278 updates Arizona's requirements for mining companies to provide financial assurance to cover future land reclamation costs after operations end. It specifies that mining operators must use approved mechanisms like surety bonds, trust funds, or cash deposits held in third-party escrow accounts. The bill clarifies that mining companies retain all interest earned on cash deposits in escrow accounts (minus fees), and allows partial release of funds as reclamation work progresses. It also standardizes procedures for inspectors to release financial assurance once reclamation is completed, retaining 10% for monitoring and potential reseeding over a three-year period.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates financial assurance for mining reclamation, ensuring environmental restoration funds are available to protect natural resources after operations end.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Arizona · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2029: water conservation grant fund; disclosure

HB 2029 creates a Water Conservation Grant Fund to support water-saving projects in Arizona. It allows eligible entities (like local governments or nonprofits partnering with them) to apply for grants for conservation programs (up to $3 million) or projects (up to $250,000), requiring a 25% match from other sources. Applicants must disclose projected water savings, the source of saved water (groundwater or surface water), and their plan for using the saved water. The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority must adopt implementing rules within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded grant program for water conservation, allocating budget resources to support conservation initiatives.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates grant fund for water conservation projects requiring disclosure of water savings and usage plans, directly advancing environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Arizona · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 2117: natural resource conservation board; fund

HB 2117 redirects $17 of the $25 annual fee for Arizona's environmental special license plates into a dedicated fund. The state natural resource conservation board will distribute $5,000 to $10,000 annually to each natural resource conservation district with an established education center. These funds must support environmental education programs that are scientifically based and address economic and social implications. The bill specifies that funds are exclusively for conservation education programs at local districts, without changing the plate fee structure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects $17 of license plate fee into dedicated fund for conservation education programs, advancing fiscal allocation for environmental education within budget framework.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRedirects $17 annual fee to fund environmental education programs at conservation districts with specific requirements for scientifically-based curriculum.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects $17 of license plate fees to conservation education fund, mandating scientifically based environmental programs addressing conservation. Explicitly funds conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 1176: stormwater storage; replenishment credits

SB 1176 creates a system for earning "replenishment credits" by storing stormwater in specially permitted underground facilities within the Phoenix Active Management Area. It allows entities (referred to as "storer") to recharge stormwater, with the director crediting 95% of the volume stored annually toward offsetting future groundwater use obligations. These credits can be used within two miles of the storage site to offset groundwater withdrawals or transferred to eligible entities within the same groundwater subbasin. The bill formalizes this credit mechanism under Arizona Revised Statutes sections 45-837.01 and 45-831.01, directly affecting water users and developers managing stormwater in Phoenix-area aquifers.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes groundwater conservation by incentivizing stormwater storage to offset withdrawals, directly conserving a natural resource and enhancing water management.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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failed · Arizona · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 1019: public water systems; fluoride; prohibition

This bill amends Arizona law to prohibit the use of lead in public water systems, requiring all new or modified water infrastructure to meet specific non-lead standards before construction or installation. It affects public water system operators, municipalities, and construction companies by mandating that plans and specifications for water treatment plants, distribution systems, and related devices be submitted for review to ensure compliance with lead-free requirements. The legislation also establishes fee structures for plan reviews, sets simplified procedures for small systems serving fewer than 3,300 people, and requires water quality testing and reporting to prevent lead contamination in drinking water.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits lead in public water systems, protecting water quality and reducing environmental pollution hazards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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