LATEST
Groundwater regulation weaknesses exploited by industrial-scale agriculture
Over the past 15 years, even with groundwater restrictions in effect that limit new irrigated land, at least several thousand acres of dormant farmland have again started siphoning groundwater to sustain new crops in Arizona’s Douglas basin, often under industrial-scale owners that consolidated the land—and the grandfathered water rights tied to it—into massive operations.
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ENVIRONMENT
Whispers of groundwater regulations spur surges of deeper, higher-capacity wells
Arizona farmers and water experts worry that further delay in groundwater legislation will allow larger, often corporate-backed farms to continue expanding their share of groundwater before future regulation takes effect. By applying for new wells that go deeper, often with higher capacity pumps, those with the financial resources to drill them can extract so much…
CDC report finds barriers to cooling center access for vulnerable residents during extreme heat
With record-breaking heat and an increasing number of days exceeding triple digit temperatures, a CDC report reveals that Arizona residents seeking refuge from extreme heat may face barriers to indoor, air-conditioned centers designed to shield them from dangerous heat.
Arizona leads nation in Valley fever infections—a “disease of color”
Evidence points to Valley fever as a growing problem in Arizona, yet little is known about who is most impacted by a pathogen that now sickens more people here than in any other state. Research shows the most serious form of the illness disproportionately impacts people of color, and likely those who work outdoors, but…
Scientists work to unravel fungus ecology as Valley fever expands throughout West
Valley fever has been known to scientists for more than 100 years, but its ecology remains shrouded in mystery, making it difficult for researchers to learn more about its impact on people and its imminent spread from climate change.
Despite 2016 law, Salt River horses remain unmanaged
Despite 2016 law, Salt River horses remain unmanaged, are not part of the natural ecosystem of the Salt River or even the American Southwest, but an invasive species, that, according to wildlife experts and scientists, is causing catastrophic harm to the Salt River’s natural ecosystem.
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