Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 2548

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Regarding withdrawing various waters of the state from additional appropriations.

Sponsors: Representatives Chandler and Warnick.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Department of Ecology to have an accessible, easy to use, and operational method of providing sufficient water to all permit exempt well users prior to withdrawing waters of the state from additional appropriations.

  • Requires the Department of Ecology have sufficient information and data available for making sound decisions prior to withdrawing waters of the state from additional appropriations.

Hearing Date: 1/15/10

Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).

Background:

The Department of Ecology (DOE) may by rule withdraw various waters of the state from additional appropriations until data and information are available to make sound decisions. Before proposing the adoption of rules to withdraw waters of the state from additional appropriation, the DOE must consult with the standing committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate that have jurisdiction over water resource management issues.Prior to the adoption of a rule to withdraw waters of the state from additional appropriation, the DOE must conduct a public hearing in each county where the waters relating to the rule are located. The public hearing must be preceded by a notice placed in a newspaper of general circulation published within each of the affected counties.

Summary of Bill:

Prior to withdrawing waters of the state from additional appropriations, the DOE must have sufficient information and data available to make sound decisions. In addition, before withdrawing waters of the state from additional appropriations, the DOE must ensure future water users have the ability to acquire sufficient water for all permit exempt well uses. The method that provides sufficient water to permit exempt well water users must be accessible, easy to use, and operational.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/5/2010.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.