Oklahoma House Bill HB3195

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

Waters and water rights; critical groundwater management areas; effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB3195 would provide regulatory authority to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to manage and restrict groundwater use in designated CGMAs. This includes the power to create management plans that may impose restrictions on water withdrawal and mandate conservation measures. The bill stipulates that these plans should enforce a continuing mandatory conservation program and may involve reevaluating management practices every ten years. Such regulations aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of groundwater resources and mitigate adverse effects on both the environment and local economies.

Summary

House Bill 3195 proposes significant changes to the management of groundwater resources in Oklahoma by establishing a framework for the designation and regulation of critical groundwater management areas (CGMAs). The bill recognizes the importance of groundwater for the state's economy and welfare, asserting that unsustainable withdrawal practices are jeopardizing these resources. It mandates the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to create criteria for designating CGMAs, thereby empowering local authorities to better manage groundwater utilization according to specific regional needs.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance the sustainability of water resources, it may also face scrutiny and opposition from stakeholders who perceive it as a potential overreach of state authority over local water management practices. Concerns have been raised regarding the flexibility and responsiveness of state oversight compared to local governance, particularly in regions with unique water needs. The bill's provision for local advisory councils is intended to incorporate community input, though some may argue that it does not sufficiently empower local governments to make independent decisions regarding their water resources.