“Earth Day is a time to recommit to protecting our environment for now, as well as for generations to come. As a lifelong Arizonan, my family and I traveled a lot around our beautiful state to appreciate nature. Those experiences have always stayed with me, and drive my passion to not just care, but to take action.
"A year ago, on Earth Day, we announced two deep-water well permits had been revoked on the Butler Valley state trust land leased to Saudi-owned Fondomonte. I said it was time for state government to 'get serious' about regulating groundwater across Arizona. In the last year, my office has acted to safeguard our state’s water resources, whether it’s investigating the impact of extreme groundwater pumping or going after big water polluters.
"I’ve traveled to rural counties like Cochise and La Paz, where groundwater isn't just a resource – it's a lifeline – supporting industry, families, and future generations. Residents shared stories of their wells drying up, their homes and buildings cracking and fissures opening up in the ground from groundwater over-pumping. I believe we must leverage all available tools in our toolbox for this critical issue, and I intend to do so.
"I grew up in Prescott on a tree farm, so I know our rural communities are often left behind. So when I heard about a proposed aggregate mine in a rural residential area in Chino Valley, we sent investigators to visit the site. Following a listening session with residents, we asked a court to recognize the terrible nuisance this mine would’ve created for the nearby residents. After filing the injunction, a 30-year resident of the area purchased the property from the proposed mine landowners and confirmed the land would not be used as a mine in the future.
"My office has also been relentless in our efforts to hold big polluters accountable. Manufacturers of PFAS, better known as ‘forever chemicals,’ have knowingly contaminated water supplies, which could harm the environment, as well as the health of Arizonans. So, we filed a lawsuit.
"We’re going to keep fighting for Arizonans and I am dedicated to safeguarding our water for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.”
— Attorney General Kris Mayes
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