HB 4049
Authorizes the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between ground water users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern to achieve reasonably stable ground water levels.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
65%
Oppose
35%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows the Water Resources Commission to encourage and approve voluntary agreements between groundwater users in the Greater Harney Valley Groundwater Area of Concern. These agreements aim to establish stable groundwater levels over time. The bill outlines specific requirements for these agreements, including baseline conditions, usage limits, and compliance monitoring. It also establishes a process for the commission to review and approve these voluntary agreements.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Testifiers generally express strong support for HB 4049, citing its potential to elevate local voices in voluntary water conservation efforts in the Harney Basin. They emphasize the importance of locally driven approaches to address groundwater challenges, highlighting the need for community input and decision-making. Many also argue that the existing statute on Voluntary Agreements is insufficient and has not been utilized since the 1950s, making HB 4049 a necessary legislation to enable cooperative groundwater management in the Harney Basin. Testifiers further stress the importance of preserving existing farms and promoting voluntary agreements among ground water users from the same reservoir, as long as they align with state regulations and requirements. Overall, supporters believe that HB 4049 will support sustainable resource management, respect local conditions and economic realities, and prioritize cooperation in maintaining groundwater stability.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
The opposition to HB 4049 and HB 4153 raises concerns that these bills would undermine existing rules and timelines for stabilizing groundwater levels, potentially harming various interests dependent on these resources. Critics argue that the legislation's reliance on 'Voluntary Agreements' may not be effective in protecting groundwater resources, and that it could lead to a loss of public authority over water conservation. Additionally, opponents express concerns about the impact on rural Oregon's economy, particularly in the tourism industry, as well as small-scale farmers and landholders who would bear an unfair burden under the bills. Furthermore, critics warn that these measures could harm local water resources, particularly in areas like the Harney Basin where large-scale farming operations and pivots pose significant risks to aquifers without sufficient stability measures.
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