TIL that as the CO river dries up, AZ is leasing its largest underground aquifer to the Saudis, who are growing water-intensive alfalfa, which is then shipped back to S.A. to feed cattle. Market rate for the lease is $5 million/yr. Saudis pay $86K.
Saudi firm has pumped Arizona groundwater for years without paying. Time to pony up
Opinion: The State Land Department unlawfully allowed Fondomonte to pump unlimited amounts of groundwater at no cost. That must stop.