Bill punishes people for suing over groundwater, weaken Mayes’ power
As Attorney General Kris Mayes gathers evidence to take action against corporate farms’ groundwater pumping, some lawmakers would like to establish protections that discourage such lawsuits. Agricultural operations could get their legal fees paid by the plaintiff if they are sued in a nuisance action to reduce or take away their water use under a bill filed early this year by state Rep. Austin Smith, R-Wittmann. The measure would have a “chilling effect” on new approaches to reduce groundwater use, several legal experts told The Arizona Republic, because the claimant would need to pay filing fees and attorney fees for themselves and the sued party.
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