Amendment 3 is a gut-and-stuff. It will standardize and grow the authority of the Water Resources Department. It may cost share at 75% for eligible owners but no funding source is guaranteed. It targets existing owner water rights.

HB 3573 is the appropriations bill.

Testimony pointed out how the WRD has not utilized the current data they hold and would need more staff to collect and analyze data. There are illegal drillers that WRD knows about that install wells to avoid using their metered wells.

There are better ways to collect data.  The language is broad and sweeping and possibly violates the U.S. Supreme Court Chevron decision leaving details to rule making.

Individual user data base is protected by Municipality and district reporting protecting privacy of data for protection from being targeted.

The bill imposes burdens without benefits, and an inefficient use of resources. Even supporters asked for an audit first.

There may be another amendment and another public hearing.

EMAIL COMMITTEE

Rep.KenHelm@OregonLegislature.gov
Rep.MarkOwens@OregonLegislature.gov
Rep.SarahMcDonald@OregonLegislature.gov
Rep.CourtBoice@OregonLegislature.gov
Rep.AnnessaHartman@OregonLegislature.gov
Rep.BobbyLevy@OregonLegislature.gov
Rep.PamMarsh@OregonLegislature.gov
Rep.SusanMcLain@OregonLegislature.gov
Rep.AnnaScharf@OregonLegislature.gov