Attorney General Mayes Files Amicus Brief Supporting Hualapai Tribe in Case to Protect Critical Water Supply

PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced the filing of an amicus brief in support of the Hualapai Tribe's request for a preliminary injunction in Hualapai Indian Tribe v. Haaland and Arizona Lithium, Ltd. The amicus brief urges the court to take action to protect Arizona's water resources from potentially irreversible damage posed by exploratory drilling near the Hualapai Tribe's sacred spring, Ha'Kamwe'.

"The sacred Ha'Kamwe' spring has sustained the Hualapai people for generations, and its protection is critical for the Tribe," said Attorney General Mayes. "The failure to properly evaluate the impact of this project on such an important water source is unacceptable. The BLM must fulfill its obligations under NEPA and fully evaluate this project's impact on local water resources. I am proud to support the Hualapai Tribe's efforts to protect their precious cultural and water resources."

The amicus brief, filed with the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, argues that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) failed to comply with its legal obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Specifically, the brief argues that BLM did not conduct the required "hard look" at how the proposed lithium drilling project would impact local water resources, particularly Ha'Kamwe', a spring of cultural and environmental importance to the Hualapai Tribe. The Attorney General's Office also argues that BLM relied on outdated and inapplicable data to minimize the project's risks to water resources, contrary to more recent scientific studies.

The amicus brief points to the potential for irreparable harm to Arizona's water resources if exploratory drilling is allowed to proceed without a more thorough review. The brief also urges the court to issue a preliminary injunction to halt drilling activities while the case is heard, ensuring that Arizona's water sources are not compromised.

This amicus brief reflects Attorney General Mayes' ongoing commitment to supporting Arizona's Tribal nations and protecting Arizona's water supplies. This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney's General Jennine Burns and Kristin Wrobel of the Attorney General's Environmental Protection Unit.