Connecticut House Bill HB05478

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/13
• Refer: 1/22/13

Caption

An Act Establishing A State-wide Moratorium For Water Diversions And Requiring The Establishment Of A State-wide Water Use Plan.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant for the state's approach to environmental conservation and water management. The moratorium is designed to create a structured assessment of water resources, which could lead to improved sustainability measures in the face of changing climatic conditions and population growth. The requirement for a state-wide water use plan indicates a shift towards a more strategic method of resource allocation, which could benefit ecosystem health and long-term water availability.

Summary

House Bill 05478 establishes a state-wide moratorium on water diversions in order to develop a comprehensive state-wide water use plan. This legislation is aimed at addressing the increasing concerns around water resource management and ensuring that water diversions are carried out responsibly and sustainably. By instituting a moratorium, the bill seeks to prevent any new diversions that may lead to over-extraction of water resources until a regulated and well-planned framework is in place.

Contention

While the bill has received support from environmental advocates who see the need for more stringent controls on water use, there are also concerns from various stakeholders, including agricultural and industrial sectors that rely on water diversion for their operations. Critics argue that the moratorium could hinder economic activities and affect those whose livelihoods depend on available water resources. The balance between environmental conservation and economic development is likely to be a notable point of contention as the bill moves through the legislative process.