Oklahoma House Bill HB2330

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Report Pass: 2/18/21
• Engrossed: 3/9/21
• Refer: 3/15/21
• Report Pass: 3/25/21
• Enrolled: 4/15/21
• Passed: 4/21/21

Caption

Water; wells within municipalities; allowing municipality to drill wells on land within or outside of its corporate limits; effective date.

Impact

The passage of HB2330 represents a significant amendment to existing state water laws, which traditionally limited the authority of municipalities in terms of water procurement and well drilling. By allowing municipalities to access water sources beyond their own corporate boundaries, the legislation could promote more efficient water management and expand the potential for resource development in areas facing water shortages. This could also encourage collaboration between municipalities and private landowners to meet the growing demands for water resources associated with population increases and commercial development.

Summary

House Bill 2330 is an act that modifies the regulations governing water rights and well drilling within municipalities in Oklahoma. Specifically, the bill amends Section 1020.21 of Title 82 of the Oklahoma Statutes, allowing municipalities to drill wells not only within their corporate limits but also on land outside those limits. This change aims to provide municipalities with greater flexibility in managing their water resources, enhancing their ability to supply water to their residents and accommodate growth within their jurisdictions.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB2330 appears to be supportive, particularly among local officials and municipal leaders who advocate for increased autonomy in managing water resources. This bill received unanimous support in the House with a vote of 96-0, indicating a strong bipartisan agreement on the necessity of enabling municipalities to drill for water more freely. However, there may also be concerns raised by environmental groups or individuals wary of increased drilling activity and its potential impact on local ecosystems and water tables.

Contention

While the bill passed without opposition, the potential contention points may include the environmental implications associated with expanded well drilling. Critics could argue that the provision allowing municipalities to drill wells outside their corporate limits might lead to over-extraction of groundwater resources or impact neighboring landowners. Furthermore, discussions about proper oversight and permitting processes will be crucial to ensure that water quality and availability are not adversely affected as municipalities exercise their new drilling rights.