SE Valley Times

Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone has expressed support for House Speaker Steve Montenegro's decision to authorize a lawsuit against the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). The lawsuit, backed by the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA) and the Arizona Senate, challenges the agency's implementation of a 33.3% groundwater tax. This tax is seen as a factor that could raise housing costs for many Arizonans.

"Water policy is land use policy, and land use policy is housing policy," said Majority Leader Carbone. He emphasized that the current "housing moratorium" is essentially a water policy aimed at halting housing development. Carbone argues that this moratorium was adopted illegally and makes vast areas of affordable land undevelopable, exacerbating the housing shortage and increasing demand in already crowded urban areas. "Make no mistake—Governor Hobbs’ water policies are driving Arizona’s housing crisis," he said.

A recent study indicates that Governor Hobbs' housing moratorium is adding between $19,600 to $23,700 to the cost of each home. Additionally, new home prices are expected to rise by another $5,100 to $7,900 due to the groundwater tax.

Majority Leader Carbone criticized these actions as being more about government control than water security. "The Governor wants to dictate where and how Arizona families live," he added. He noted that since 1995, homebuilders have replenished their groundwater annually but remain uniquely penalized by these policies. Carbone affirmed his commitment to challenging what he describes as illegal water policies and ensuring state agencies adhere to legal frameworks.

Michael Carbone represents Legislative District 25 in the Arizona House of Representatives, covering parts of Yuma, Maricopa, and La Paz Counties. He also serves as House Majority Leader.

Information from this article can be found here.