Official record
Measure details
- Jurisdiction
- Wyoming
- Session
- 2026
- Chamber
- lower
- Classification
- bill
- Subjects
- Not supplied
- Introduced / first action
- 2026-02-07 03:32:43
Alternate titles
- AN ACT relating to water within Wyoming's portion of the Colorado River basin; establishing a voluntary water conservation program; providing an application and approval process for the program; providing an appeal process; authorizing the storage and release of water conserved under the program; establishing a sunset date; providing legislative findings; requiring a report; requiring rulemaking; authorizing positions; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.
Source-supplied abstracts
Establishes the "Voluntary Water Conservation Program Act" administered by the State Engineer to manage water use in Wyoming's portion of the Colorado River basin. Defines key terms related to the program, including "conservation project," "consumptive use," and "curtailment." Outlines an application and approval process for conservation projects, including public notice and comment periods. Specifies criteria for project approval, including reduction of consumptive use and compliance with Wyoming's interstate compact obligations. Prohibits the approval of projects that harm other water rights or promote interstate water marketing. Authorizes the storage of conserved water in specified reservoirs and provides for the investigation of additional storage options. Appropriates funds to support program implementation and staffing. Requires the state engineer to publish notices and hold public meetings to inform stakeholders about the program. Ensures that no water rights are lost or impaired due to participation in the program. Sets a sunset date of July 1, 2032 for the authorization of new conservation projects under the program. Comments: Requires the State Engineer to report to the Select Water Committee and the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Interim Committee on October 1 of each year until 2031, detailing the operation of the program.
AN ACT relating to water within Wyoming's portion of the Colorado River basin; establishing a voluntary water conservation program; providing an application and approval process for the program; providing an appeal process; authorizing the storage and release of water conserved under the program; establishing a sunset date; providing legislative findings; requiring a report; requiring rulemaking; authorizing positions; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date.
Sponsors
- Water Select (primary), primary