A legislative success story for water, HB 2929

From the Office of Rep. Pam Marsh:

As many of you know—under current law, when the Water Resources Department is made aware of egregious water violations, such as the use or storage of water without a water right, interference with a locked headgate, or use of water without authorization, the department must pursue an administrative process to stop the violation. This may take months, even years, while the water is intentionally misused. To provide a more expedient option, HB 2929 gives OWRD the authority to seek injunctive relief when it has evidence that a person has engaged in water use violations, meaning that a court order can require the user to immediately stop illegal water use and to remedy any effects of the violation.

More information is attached and an article is here: Oregon will soon have a new tool to stop water violations - OPB

We are especially grateful for the work of Trout Unlimited, Wild Salmon Center and Water Watch to help bring this bill to fruition, as well as testimony from Applegate rancher Peter Salant and farmer Maud Powell who shared real world experiences in public hearings that made a strong case for this statutory change. It’s a clear demonstration of how stakeholder engagement has a vital role in the legislature for protecting natural resources.

Paige Prewett
Chief of Staff | Representative Pam Marsh, HD-5
oregonlegislature.gov/marsh| (503) 986-1405

Link to 7/18/23 Press Release and HB 2929 One Page Info Sheet