Rep. Ruben Gallego aims to deter foreign governments from using Arizona water
Rep. Ruben Gallego introduced legislation Wednesday that would impose a burdensome tax on foreign governments on the sale and export of water-intensive crops in states experiencing dryer conditions as Arizona farmlands continue to battle prolonged drought conditions.
The move to protect water resources and land leases from foreign companies comes during a time when Arizona is experiencing its most severe drought and lawmakers are scrambling to find ways to mitigate the state’s water crisis.
In Arizona, an estimated 2.7 million residents live in areas affected by dryer conditions and 18.4% of the state is categorized to be experiencing a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The Domestic Water Protection Act of 2022 would impose a 300% excise tax on foreign manufacturers, producers and importers of water-intensive crops in areas experiencing severe, extreme, or exceptional drought conditions.
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Source:
Emily Sacia, Arizona Republic