Water, Water, in the Senate (Thanks, House!)

The Oregon House just passed an important bill that would shape how Oregon handles water storage and conservation into the future. The OCN Priority bill, HB 3369, was created through a session-long effort by Representatives Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton) and Jefferson Smith (D-Portland) and a fleet of stakeholders, including WaterWatch of Oregon.

The bill is a historic water package that includes standards for new storage projects, conservation efforts, and water planning. The bill integrates key provisions from Senate Bill 788, previously an OCN priority bill. The bill requires the Oregon Water Resources Department to develop an integrated statewide water resources policy that recognizes impending climate-related challenges, creates a funding pool intended for loans on water resources projects, and provides funding to help reduce the conflict between fish and irrigation needs in the Umatilla River Basin.

The bill passed on a 43-16 vote, with unanimous Democratic support (Komp excused) and support of eight Republicans: Berger, Bruun, Gilliam, Huffman, Jenson, Olson, Greg Smith, and Thompson. It now heads to the Senate, where it will be likely be heard Monday.