SE Valley Times

State Representative Nick Kupper has voted in favor of SB1114, a bill aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers to housing development in the Phoenix area. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Tim Dunn, seeks to reduce projected water demand by 15 percent, potentially unlocking $5 billion in investment and enabling the construction of 150,000-200,000 new housing units.

"This legislation is about common sense and results," said Representative Kupper. "Thousands of homes sit on hold due to unnecessary red tape and bureaucratic hurdles that can be solved today."

SB1114 passed the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee chaired by Representative Gail Griffin. It establishes a process for homebuilders to reduce groundwater usage in exchange for moving forward with their projects.

The bill addresses the "unmet demand" cited by Governor Hobbs as justification for her housing moratorium. Testimony from the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona suggests that accepting a 15 percent groundwater reduction could generate enough water savings to eliminate this unmet demand.

"At this point, the housing moratorium is a political decision—not a regulatory necessity," said Representative Kupper. "SB1114 is a real, workable solution that immediately reduces groundwater demand."

Representative Kupper also supported SB1115 and SB1116, additional water policy bills designed to remove government-imposed barriers and assist cities like Buckeye in responsible growth.

"Our state needs housing. Our economy needs investment," said Representative Kupper. "That's what I voted for."

SB1114, SB1115, and SB1116 will now advance to the full House for consideration.

Information from this article can be found here.