HB 3342
Modifies provisions of law related to the regulation and administration of water rights in this state.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
26%
Oppose
74%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
House Bill 3342 modifies Oregon’s laws regarding the regulation and administration of water rights. Specifically, it adjusts rules about changing the location of water appropriations, particularly for groundwater sources. The bill introduces provisions related to critical groundwater areas and artificial recharge projects, and clarifies the circumstances under which the Water Resources Department can approve or deny changes to existing water rights. It also includes amendments related to extension of time for permit applications.
Key provisions
- Allows the Water Resources Department to deny changes to groundwater appropriation points if the proposed location is in a critical groundwater area.
- Specifies criteria for approving changes to groundwater appropriation points, including proximity to existing points and consideration of groundwater banks.
- Exempts applications related to artificial recharge or aquifer storage and recovery projects from certain restrictions.
- Addresses groundwater rights under ORS 540.505 to 540.585, adding specific criteria for denial of changes.
- Provides for the possibility of extending permit application deadlines under certain circumstances.
- Clarifies the application process for groundwater rights related to artificial recharge projects.
- Includes provisions regarding the application of ORS 536.031 (1) to groundwater appropriation points.
Who is affected
- Water rights holders
- The Water Resources Department
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3342-1 and its accompanying amendments advocate for improved water right transactions processes, prioritizing efficiency, effectiveness, and cost reduction. They aim to streamline application reviews, reduce speculative applications, and promote electronic document submission, as seen in the proposed shift to utilizing OWRD weekly notices for transfers, hydroelectric projects, and some certificates. By implementing these changes, proponents believe that Oregon's water management can be enhanced, protecting the health of water resources and supporting the recovery of wild Pacific salmon, while also reducing costs and time associated with current processes.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 3342 express widespread concerns over the bill's provisions, citing potential impacts on local agriculture, natural resources, and individual rights. Many testifiers worry that the measure will restrict access to water, create uncertainty for farmers and ranchers, and limit their ability to utilize variance processes. Additionally, there are concerns about fairness, scientific justification, and administrative efficiencies, with some testifiers arguing that the bill adds unnecessary bureaucracy and erodes property rights. The opposition also highlights potential regulatory challenges and negatively impacts on agricultural water users, emphasizing the need for predictability and fairness in water transactions.