Haley Paul, Arizona Policy Director

Haley Paul

Arizona Policy Director, Audubon Southwest

Haley Paul is the Arizona Policy Director for Audubon Southwest. In this role, she distills complex natural resource policy and water management issues—via blogs, webinars, infographics, and more—to demonstrate why water policy is important and how it impacts people and birds. Alongside a powerful network of Audubon advocates, Haley seeks to influence water policy outcomes in Arizona and in the Colorado River Basin, pushing them to be more inclusive of environmental needs and the needs of those historically excluded from water management decision-making.

As an Anthropology major in her undergraduate studies at Washington State University, Haley took a keen interest in better understanding how humans around the world and through time have organized themselves to sustain (or not) the natural resources on which they rely. While working on the student-run organic farm in Pullman, Washington, Haley gained a greater appreciation for agriculture and all that it takes to grow and harvest healthy, nourishing food. This led her to a graduate degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University where she examined the 1980 Groundwater Management Act and its impact on agriculture in central Arizona.

Haley believes we must tell the truth if we are going to improve our water management systems for people and birds—and that starts with an understanding of how we got to where we are, and why we need to fix things. The continued inequities we see, even just within the state of Arizona—where not all of the state’s residents have access to clean and reliable drinking water—should make headlines in the same way the shortage declarations on the Colorado River do. It is Haley’s hope that Audubon can be a positive contributor in the evolution of our water management systems so that they are more just, equitable, and inclusive. Climate change is giving us no other choice but to innovate and adapt.

While no bird identification expert, Haley’s passion for birds is evidenced by her two bird feeders, her desire to identify new birds in her Sibley’s guide, and her overall appreciation of the diversity and color birds bring to our world.

Articles by Haley Paul

Audubon Discusses Western Water and More With Secretary of the Interior
February 23, 2022 — Secretary Haaland was joined by congressional delegation, tribal and city leaders.
Investing in Arizona’s Water will Improve Outlook for People and Birds
January 07, 2022 — Audubon’s priorities for the 2022 Arizona Legislative Session.
We Need More Voices Calling for Change in Arizona
October 08, 2021 — Status quo is not an option if we are to achieve a sustainable water future for birds and people.
Audubon: Arizona Communities Should be Able to Protect their Groundwater Resources
September 23, 2021 — Policy Director Haley Paul testifies before Arizona House Study Committee examining groundwater issues.
Arizona Legislative Session Results in Funding for Audubon Priorities
July 01, 2021 — But we have a long way to go in addressing the state’s increasing water crisis, temperatures, and wildfires.
Black Phoebe. Marie Jorgensen/Great Backyard Bird Count
Arizona Passes Law that Partially Protects Some Rivers Left Behind from Federal Clean Water Act Rollbacks
May 10, 2021 — While better than no protection, state program lacks essential provisions to best protect Arizona’s waterways
Black Phoebe. Marie Jorgensen/Great Backyard Bird Count
Arizona aprueba una ley que protege parcialmente algunos ríos dejados atrás de los retrocesos de la Ley Federal de Agua Limpia
May 10, 2021 — Si bien es mejor que ninguna protección, el programa estatal carece de disposiciones esenciales para proteger mejor las vías fluviales de Arizona.
A Bird (and People) Budget for Arizona’s Legislature
March 26, 2021 — The state must capitalize on the opportunity to fund water and environmental protection.
Un presupuesto de aves (y personas) para la legislatura de Arizona
March 26, 2021 — El Estado debe aprovechar la oportunidad para financiar la protección del agua y el medio ambiente.
Audubon-Supported Legislation Benefits Birds and Water Rights Holders in Arizona
February 19, 2021 — New law encourages wise water use and will leave more water in rivers.