County Officials Dismiss Attempt to Roll Back Water Protections in the Douglas Basin

(PHOENIX, July 21, 2023) Based on the decision by Cochise County Attorney officials to not put the measure on the November ballot, EDF Action voluntarily dismissed our lawsuit.   

EDF Action filed a lawsuit, on Tuesday, with concerns that the petitions filed to place a new initiative on the ballot did not conform with the law.  

“EDF Action is thrilled that the county officials swiftly rejected the attempt to roll back critical water protections in the Douglas basin. This is great news for the community and for their fight to protect their groundwater supply. Now Douglas basin residents and stakeholders can get back to implementing the AMA in a way that best addresses the community needs in the face of finite water supplies,” said Chris Kuzdas, Senior Water Program Manager at EDF Action. “But there are a growing number of other rural communities across the state that face serious groundwater challenges while the Legislature sits on their hands. It’s important that we roll up our sleeves using every avenue to secure water resources for all rural communities. This means leaving no stone unturned, including the opportunity for Governor Hobbs to take executive action if the Legislature continues to drag their feet.”