HB 3372
Permits certain exempt ground water users to withdraw up to 3,000 gallons of water per day for watering any lawn or noncommercial or commercial garden that does not exceed one-half acre.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
92%
Oppose
8%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill expands an existing exemption for certain groundwater users in Oregon. It allows them to withdraw up to 3,000 gallons of water per day to water lawns and gardens that are no larger than half an acre. The exemption specifically excludes the cultivation of industrial hemp and, for a two-year period, commercial gardens in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area. The bill also clarifies the definition of ‘commercial garden’ and addresses groundwater usage related to cannabis cultivation.
Key provisions
- Allows groundwater users to withdraw up to 3,000 gallons per day for lawn and garden watering.
- Excludes industrial hemp cultivation from the exemption.
- Suspends the exemption for commercial gardens in the Lower Umatilla Basin for two years.
- Defines ‘commercial garden’ as a garden used to sell or trade plants.
- Specifies that cannabis cultivation locations are excluded from the definition of ‘commercial garden’.
- Limits the combined water usage for industrial or commercial purposes to 5,000 gallons per day.
- Adjusts the daily water withdrawal limit to 5,000 gallons per day.
Who is affected
- Groundwater users
- Homeowners with lawns and gardens
- Farmers and agricultural businesses
- Residents of Oregon
- The Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area
Notable changes
- Clarifies the definition of ‘commercial garden’ to exclude cannabis cultivation.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 3372 argue that current water usage laws in Oregon unfairly restrict small-scale farmers and gardeners from selling their produce, while allowing large-scale agricultural operations with minimal restrictions. They contend that this approach neglects the importance of trust and community values, and instead prioritizes commercial interests over local food systems. Proponents believe that a rational approach to water use is needed, one that allows individuals and small-scale farmers to access their private water resources for reasonable exempt uses, promoting local food security and environmental sustainability. By addressing the inconsistency in Oregon's water usage laws, HB 3372 has the potential to increase access to locally grown foods, boost local economies, and support sustainable agriculture practices.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB3372 express concerns that the bill will restrict exempt uses of water, negatively impact rural communities and the environment, and infringe upon individual property rights. Many that the proposed regulations will lead to over-allocation of groundwater, causing financial burdens on farmers, communities, and taxpayers. They also emphasize the importance of preserving recharge rates for aquifers, addressing domestic well problems, and protecting neighboring groundwater users. Critics point out that the bill lacks transparency in decision-making processes, inadequate consideration for environmental factors, and insufficient safeguards to prevent overuse of groundwater. Some that the government should not regulate personal use of water on private property, while others argue that the bill would unfairly take away water from homes with priority usage, particularly in areas where groundwater is limited. Overall, opponents contend that HB3372 fails to adequately address the needs of local farmers and rural communities, and its provisions are too broad, leading to unintended consequences.