House Bill 2988 directs the Oregon Water Resources Department to take a lead role in expanding aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery in the state. In consultation with the Department of Environmental Quality, the Oregon Health Authority, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other agencies and interested parties, the department must identify ways to improve permitting and technical assistance, describe the kinds of recharge and storage projects that can benefit water supply, water quality, habitat, and aquifer conditions, and identify regulatory and programmatic changes that could support these efforts.
The bill also requires the department to examine data, modeling, and testing needs for limited license approvals, look to environmentally protective practices used in other states, and develop a schedule for any regulatory changes within its authority. By January 1, 2027, the department must report to the Legislature on how Oregon can promote aquifer recharge and storage and recovery while protecting public health, groundwater quality, and ecosystems, including recommendations on internal policy changes, rule changes, statutory changes, technical assistance, staffing, incentives, and funding sources. The reporting section is temporary and is repealed on January 2, 2027.
HB 2988 does not directly create a new permitting program or change substantive water law immediately; instead, it directs agency planning, coordination, and reporting that could lead to future rulemaking or legislation. It affects the Water Resources Department most directly, while also involving environmental, public health, and wildlife agencies in developing guidance and identifying regulatory improvements. The bill may influence how aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery projects are evaluated, permitted, and supported in Oregon, and it could shape future changes to agency rules, internal guidance, and state statutes.
The available vote history suggests broad support for the measure, with the House committee voting 9-0 to do pass with amendments and refer the bill to Ways and Means by prior reference. The bill’s framing around water supply resilience, groundwater protection, and ecosystem benefits indicates a generally constructive and collaborative approach rather than a controversial policy shift. No committee transcript was provided, so the record here shows consensus at the committee stage and no documented opposition in the materials supplied.
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the balance between expanding aquifer recharge and storage projects and ensuring protection of public health, groundwater quality, and ecosystems. The bill explicitly asks the department to identify regulatory changes, funding mechanisms, staffing needs, and possible statutory changes, which could raise questions about cost, agency workload, and how far Oregon should go in streamlining approvals. Another possible area of debate is how to set technical, data, and modeling requirements for limited licenses without creating unnecessary barriers or weakening environmental safeguards.