Introduced
by
To no longer consider bottled water operations as being in the same class of 'consumptive uses' as agricultural products, which would have the effect of subjecting them to much more restrictive permitting requirements, regulations, and restrictions. Also, to redefine in a more restrictive manner the “index flow” on which determinations are made regarding whether commercial or industrial groundwater withdrawals are affecting streams or rivers. This would make it easier to impose more restrictions and regulations based on a claim that withdrawals are affecting water flow levels in streams. The bill is part of a legislative package consisting of Senate Bills 721 to 729 and House Bills 5065 to 5073 that would restrict and subject to extensive regulation the use of groundwater by industrial and commercial businesses.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
