HB 4006
Authorizes holders of certain Columbia River water rights to change the point of diversion or use the water right on land to which the right is not appurtenant, provided certain conditions are met.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of House Interim Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water for Representatives Ken Helm, Mark Owens)
Committee
Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
18%
Oppose
82%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows certain Columbia River water rights holders to change where they divert water or how they use it, even if it’s not on land originally included in the water right. It provides exemptions for some water rights, including those used by intergovernmental entities and irrigation systems. The Mid-Columbia Water Commission is granted participation in water rights mapping, and the state is required to report on the bill’s effects for a decade. It also includes provisions to streamline the process for transferring water rights within districts.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsor
Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water House Interim Committee on Agriculture
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 4006 generally agree that the legislation will bring clarity to water management, promoting efficient distribution of surface water and alleviating groundwater well declines. By focusing state regulatory oversight on key concerns of water law, the bill aims to minimize state responsibility for mundane tasks, allowing local entities to manage day-to-day operations while the state concentrates on core regulatory priorities. Proponents also emphasize the potential benefits for sustainable water policy in the region, including optimizing Columbia River water management and protecting senior users' rights, with the ultimate goal of ensuring resources and sustainability for years to come.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 4006 argue that exempting irrigators from water laws in one area of the state would harm the Columbia River, Umatilla Basin, and groundwater quality in Oregon. They express concerns about the potential for increased water diversion, nitrate contamination, and harm to at-risk fish populations, including salmon and steelhead. Many that such exemptions set a bad precedent, undermining the principle of equal treatment under the law and risking weakening the state's ability to manage water effectively. Additionally, opponents argue that exempting irrigators would prioritize agricultural interests over water conservation and salmon protection, potentially exacerbating groundwater pollution problems in other areas.
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