Welcome back to State of Emergency! I’m Jake Bittle, and today we’re shifting our focus away from the storm-battered Southeast to explore one of the nation’s hottest battleground states. With Election Day just two weeks away, all eyes are on Arizona, where the high-stakes race for president is dominating the media coverage.
The state’s intense election intensity is not limited to the presidential race – Arizona is a crucial state for the Electoral College and is also home to toss-up races for the Senate and House of Representatives. Additionally, there is a pivotal contest for the state legislature, where control hangs in the balance.
During a recent visit to Arizona, I found that while the national political frenzy has captured attention, the pressing issue of water crisis is looming large. As the state faces a severe drought exacerbated by climate change, Arizona has already witnessed a significant loss of water supply from the Colorado River. Groundwater aquifers are depleting in rural areas and cities like Phoenix.
This fall’s election will determine the state’s approach to tackling this crisis. Democrats are advocating for strict water usage regulations for farms and developers, while Republicans are pushing for less stringent rules. The outcome of this election will have profound implications for the state’s water resources.
Despite the critical nature of the water crisis, many voters in swing districts may not be fully aware of how water policy issues are at stake in this election. As the election approaches, the fate of Arizona’s aquifers hangs in the balance.
On another note, Vice President Kamala Harris recently highlighted the urgent housing crisis linked to climate change. Extreme weather events are exacerbating housing shortages across the country, displacing millions of Americans. In response to these challenges, communities like Montpelier, Vermont are working to address housing and climate vulnerabilities in tandem.
The intersection of climate change and housing is a pressing concern that demands immediate action at all levels of government. As we witness the impacts of climate change and the need for resilience, it is crucial for policymakers to prioritize solutions that address not only environmental challenges but also the urgent needs of vulnerable communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving political landscape and climate-related challenges across the nation.
[Read more about the water election that wasn’t in Arizona on Grist.]
