Creates provisions relating to water preservation in the state
SB 82 creates a new section of Missouri law governing the export of water resources outside the state. The bill makes it unlawful to export Missouri water without a water exportation permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources and approved by the state soil and water districts commission, with limited exemptions for bottled water/single-use containers and certain uses within 30 miles of the state border. It defines key terms such as water resources, beneficial use, pipeline facility, and water exportation permit, and sets out a detailed permitting framework for applications, renewals, public notice, public comment, and commission hearings.
The bill requires applicants to show that water is available, that there is a present need and beneficial use, that the export will not interfere with existing or projected in-state uses, and that the export is feasible and necessary. Permits last three years, require annual reporting of withdrawal volumes, rates, and end use, and may be reevaluated or modified if circumstances change. The bill also allows major water users to request reevaluation of existing permits, authorizes enforcement actions by affected persons and the attorney general, and directs the department to reconsider permits during drought emergencies declared by the governor.
SB 82 would add a new regulatory permitting regime to chapter 640, RSMo, restricting interstate water exportation and giving the Department of Natural Resources and the state soil and water districts commission authority over approvals, renewals, reporting, and enforcement. It would affect water exporters, pipeline operators, major water users, county commissions near affected water sources, and the attorney general, while also creating public reporting obligations and a process for permit challenges and emergency reevaluation during drought conditions.
The voting history suggests strong overall support for the bill. It passed the Missouri Senate unanimously, 31-0, and later passed the House on third reading by a wide margin, 116-23. The available record shows no committee transcript debate, so the public record here reflects broad legislative agreement rather than detailed recorded discussion.
The main policy tension in SB 82 is between protecting Missouri’s water resources for in-state beneficial uses and allowing water to be exported for out-of-state use. The bill resolves that conflict by prioritizing Missouri’s needs over outside applicants and by imposing a high approval threshold, public review, and ongoing reporting. Potential points of contention include the scope of the export ban, the 30-mile border exemption, the authority to reevaluate or revoke permits during drought emergencies, and the ability of major water users or affected parties to challenge permits or seek injunctive relief.