Bill > HB2813

This bill establishes the Groundwater Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Match Fund in the State Treasury, specifically targeting water rights retirement in areas where new groundwater irrigation rights are not being granted, such as Harney County. The bill appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to this new fund, which will be used to provide state contributions for water users who voluntarily cancel their groundwater rights through enrollment in the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The bill decreases the Water Resources Department's General Fund appropriation by $500,000 while simultaneously increasing its expenditure limitation by the same amount to allow for authorized spending from the new fund. The fund will consist of moneys appropriated or transferred by the Legislative Assembly, with any interest earned being credited back to the fund. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, and is designed to support water conservation efforts by incentivizing water right retirements in areas experiencing groundwater management challenges.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2813