Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a swath of bills on water issues this week, calling them “political cover” for what she says is the Legislature’s inaction on water security. Hobbs vetoed seven bills in total, all sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin (R-Hereford), who has a history of blocking Hobbs’ and Democrats’ policy proposals. The bills would have made multiple policy changes, like modifying definitions of terms and giving voters an option for removing groundwater protections in parts of the state under Active Management Areas. Hobbs wrote in a veto letter that all the bills Griffin sent her either weaken water protections or make “pointless trivial statutory changes” that Hobbs argued demean Arizonans who want real groundwater management.

Other Arizona water news:

• Hoodline: Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs weighs legislation to aid water-strapped rural communities
• State Affairs Pro: Blog: Gov. Hobbs, how do you really feel about Rep. Griffin’s water bills?
• Arizona Capitol Times (Phoenix): Saudi-owned farm denies legal liability for damage caused by groundwater use
• KJZZ (Phoenix, Ariz.): The Valley is a popular spot for data centers. Is there enough water to sustain them?