Bill > HB5373

This bill mandates the use and updates of an Internet-based water withdrawal assessment tool, which is a system used to evaluate the potential impact of water usage on the state's water resources, particularly for oil and gas production. Specifically, it requires this tool to be updated to consider the effects of hydraulic fracturing, a process involving injecting fluid into wells under pressure to create fractures and enhance hydrocarbon production. The updates will ensure the assessment tool accurately accounts for the cumulative and high-volume, short-duration water withdrawals associated with hydraulic fracturing, as well as their impact on lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands. The bill also makes minor adjustments to exemptions from water withdrawal regulations, removing references to specific environmental programs and clarifying exemptions for hydroelectric facilities and certain residential wells.