This is in response to “Arizona anti lab-meat bill has teeth” by Howard Fischer (Jan. 20, 2026).
I work in food system sustainability and was raised in Tucson. I was alarmed by Rep. Lupe Diaz’s anti-innovation proposal to ban the sale of cell-cultured protein in Arizona, with penalties of up to 18 months in prison.
According to public campaign finance disclosures, Rep. Diaz has received contributions from corporate animal agriculture interests. On Jan. 13, 2026, he also introduced a bill to expand the market for Arizona-produced beef, a major driver of agricultural water use in Arizona. By contrast, studies estimate that cell-cultured protein could require up to 96% less water per kilogram than conventional beef.
The effect of these misguided policies would be to limit competition and block Arizona from participating in a rapidly growing, innovative industry. At a time of historic drought, Arizona cannot afford to ban water-saving technologies.
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We should encourage solutions, not criminalize them.
New Roots Institute
Becca Rogers
Foothills
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
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