About this podcast

Dive into the complex and critical fight over water in Arizona on this episode of Odd Lots. Hosts Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway explore the challenges posed by a 25-year 'megadrought,' climate crisis, and booming growth, which have led to new constraints on housing development in the Phoenix area. They unpack the contentious debate between housing developers, farmers, and semiconductor manufacturers over water rights and allocation. Featuring Kathryn Sorensen, Director of Research at the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University and former head of Phoenix Water Services, the discussion delves into Arizona's progressive groundwater management laws, the 100-year assured water supply requirement, and the difficult decisions facing the state regarding who will lose out on water access in the future and how priorities are set beyond a pure market approach. This conversation provides essential insights into managing vital resources in an arid and rapidly developing region.