(PHOENIX, AZ – January 31, 2019) The Water for Arizona Coalition today commended state lawmakers for voting to approve the state’s Drought Contingency Plan (DCP).
“It is increasingly likely that a decline in Lake Mead’s elevation will trigger a shortage declaration in the years ahead. Having a Drought Contingency Plan in place helps make sure that such a shortage, and the water cutbacks that will follow it, do not disrupt our economy and cause more pain than they need to.
“This plan conserves more water in Lake Mead through a mix of mechanisms and incentives to reduce water demand, including system conservation projects and water trading among cities, tribes and irrigation districts. I commend our legislature and Governor Ducey for recognizing the urgent need for conservation and other actions to protect the health of the Colorado River system that supports cities, farms and ranches, industry, tribal communities, wildlife, and recreation in the region.”
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Kevin Moran, Senior Director for the Colorado River Program at Environmental Defense Fund and Chair of the Water for Arizona Coalition, served as an official alternate member of the Arizona Drought Contingency Plan Steering Committee.
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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading international nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and our Growing Returns blog.
EDF is a member of the Water for Arizona Coalition, a community of Arizonans who support innovative practices and smart policies to ensure a reliable water supply to meet the state’s needs.