SF0084

Official summary

Bill Summary - 26LSO-0037 Bill No.: SF0084 Effective: Immediately LSO No.: 26LSO-0037 Enrolled Act No.: SEA No. 0062 Chapter No.: 100 Prime Sponsor: Select Water Committee Catch Title: Voluntary water conservation program. Has Report: Yes Subject: Voluntary water conservation program. Summary/Major Elements: Establishes the "Voluntary Water Conservation Program Act" administered by the State Engineer to manage water use in Wyoming's portion of the Colorado River basin. Defines key terms related to the program, including "conservation project," "consumptive use," and "curtailment." Outlines an application and approval process for conservation projects, including public notice and comment periods. Specifies criteria for project approval, including reduction of consumptive use and compliance with Wyoming's interstate compact obligations. Prohibits the approval of projects that harm other water rights or promote interstate water marketing. Authorizes the storage of conserved water in specified reservoirs and provides for the investigation of additional storage options. Appropriates funds to support program implementation and staffing. Requires the state engineer to publish notices and hold public meetings to inform stakeholders about the program. Ensures that no water rights are lost or impaired due to participation in the program. Sets a sunset date of July 1, 2032 for the authorization of new conservation projects under the program. Comments: Requires the State Engineer to report to the Select Water Committee and the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee on October 1 of each year until 2031, detailing the operation of the program. The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.