Bill > S428

This bill revises North Carolina's laws governing surface water transfers between river basins, introducing several significant changes to the existing regulatory framework. The bill redefines key terms like "mainstem" and "transfer" and establishes a new category called "major transfer" for water transfers exceeding 30 million gallons per day. It significantly expands the requirements and scrutiny for obtaining certificates to transfer water between river basins, including more comprehensive environmental documentation, public notice, and hearing requirements. The bill introduces new conditions for major transfers, such as requiring applicants to maintain a water loss ratio below 15% and reserving 10% of gross revenues for infrastructure improvements in the source basin. The legislation also strengthens the state's policy of protecting water resources by prioritizing the water needs of public water systems in the source river basin and requiring detailed assessments of potential environmental and economic impacts. The bill aims to create a more rigorous, transparent, and environmentally conscious process for interbasin water transfers, with particular emphasis on conservation, drought management, and long-term regional water resource planning. The changes apply to all pending and future petitions for surface water transfer certificates.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S428