Urges and requests the office of conservation to study, report, and make recommendations on the availability of qualified water well drillers, water well driller licensing requirements, and their impact on the rates charged for drilling water wells
Impact
The resolution seeks to assess the impact of current licensing requirements and the roles of regulatory bodies on the rates charged for drilling water wells. By addressing these issues, the resolution aims to safeguard the state's valuable water resources while ensuring that qualified professionals are involved in drilling operations. It requests the formulation of recommendations that could lead to adjustments in licensing rules, which could help mitigate the shortage of well drillers and potentially the costs involved in well drilling.
Summary
HCR150 is a House Concurrent Resolution urging the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Water Resources Commission, to conduct a thorough study on the availability of qualified water well drillers. The resolution emphasizes the need for qualified individuals to manage water well drilling, particularly to ensure public health, safety, and the economic wellbeing associated with water resources. It highlights concerns regarding the declining number of licensed well drillers juxtaposed with an increased demand for shallow agricultural wells, specifically those under two hundred feet.
Sentiment
Overall, sentiment toward HCR150 appears to be supportive among stakeholders concerned with sustainable water management and agricultural needs. The emphasis on ensuring that only licensed professionals conduct water drilling aligns with broader goals of conservation and public safety. There seems to be a general understanding that this resolution is a necessary step towards addressing the complexities surrounding water resource management and the workforce involved.
Contention
While the resolution itself does not present significant points of contention, underlying issues regarding licensing criteria and the two-year apprenticeship requirement could lead to discussions about accessibility and the capabilities of the workforce. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on the appropriate balance between maintaining high standards in well drilling and ensuring a sufficient workforce to meet the growing demand for water resources in the agricultural sector.
Urges and requests the commissioner of conservation to develop and implement a pilot program to reduce the cost of plugging orphaned wells and decrease the number of wells on the orphan wells list
Waters and water rights; stating legislative findings; creating the Oklahoma Water Resources Board Well Driller and Pump Installer Program; effective date.