AN ACT to amend and reenact section 61-04-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to a limitation on the amount of water not applied to beneficial use.
House Bill No. 1201 amends section 61-04-03.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to impose a limitation on the amount of water that can be held under conditional water permits without being applied to beneficial use. Specifically, the bill restricts individuals from holding more than 720 acre-feet of water from a single source that has not been utilized for beneficial purposes. This aims to promote responsible water management and ensure that water resources are used efficiently in the state.
The passage of HB1201 will directly affect water management practices in North Dakota by enforcing stricter regulations on the holding of water permits. It will prevent individuals from accumulating large amounts of water that are not actively used for irrigation or other beneficial purposes, thereby encouraging more sustainable water use. The bill exempts applications from the Missouri River and those submitted by organized irrigation districts, which may influence how these entities manage their water resources.
The sentiment surrounding HB1201 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous support in the House (93-0) and a strong majority in the Senate (44-1). This suggests a broad consensus among legislators on the importance of regulating water use and promoting efficient management of water resources in the state.
While there seems to be general support for the bill, notable contention may arise from stakeholders such as farmers and irrigation districts who could be affected by the limitations on water permits. Some may argue that the restrictions could hinder their ability to secure necessary water for agricultural purposes, particularly in times of drought or water scarcity. However, the bill's exemptions for certain sources may mitigate some of these concerns.