AG Takes Bold Stand Against Saudi-Owned Farm in Groundwater Battle in La Paz County

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes announced on Tuesday her intention to file a lawsuit within the next two weeks aimed at stopping the excessive groundwater pumping by corporate farms in rural Arizona.

Mayes claims these operations, particularly by companies renting state-owned land, are creating a nuisance by depleting the water supply essential for local residents. Her decision follows Governor Katie Hobbs’ refusal to terminate several state leases and the Legislature’s inaction on comprehensive groundwater management.

Specifically, Mayes plans to target Fondomonte, a company owned by Saudi interests that cultivates alfalfa in La Paz County for export to feed dairy cattle abroad. While the firm has not technically violated state laws, due to the absence of restrictions in non-designated “active management areas,” Mayes asserts that the rights of local communities must take precedence.

Although the state ended one lease with Fondomonte last year, the firm still retains other leases that extend until 2030. Mayes expressed her belief that the governor should have acted sooner to cancel these leases: “What are we going to do, allow the Saudis to completely dewater La Paz County?”

She criticized the status quo as unfair to residents, stating, “Just because the contract goes out until 2030, that’s not a reason to do nothing.” Mayes indicated that the issue transcends the state leases, involving agricultural practices on private lands outside regulated areas.

Mayes urged legislative action, emphasizing, “We need the Legislature to get off its butt and help.” Governor Hobbs has attempted to distance herself from the situation, attributing the problem to previous administrations.

The attorney general has acknowledged that both Fondomonte and Riverview Dairy in Cochise County operate within legal limits, pumping unlimited and unmonitored amounts of groundwater. Yet, she maintains that local laws protect communities against nuisances caused by such activities.

In a bid to substantiate her claims, Mayes has hired two hydrologists to assess the impact of the farms’ operations on surrounding residents. She asserted, “I’m dead serious about using nuisance law to stop the Riverview Dairy from destroying the economy of Cochise County.”

Legal complexities remain, as state laws generally protect farming operations from being labeled as nuisances unless they pose an “adverse effect on the public health and safety.” Representative Jackie Parker highlighted that it is the Legislature’s prerogative to regulate groundwater extraction policies, not the attorney general’s.