AZ HB2020

Amends section 45-815.01 to clarify that water incidentally recharging an aquifer during agricultural, municipal, mining or industrial purposes is excluded from underground storage facilities, except for water qualifying under new section 45-861.01.

Creates section 45-861.01 allowing persons developing infrastructure in active management areas that increases natural, incidental or artificial recharge to earn long-term storage credits up to the level of increased recharge.

Requires the director to adopt rules by January 1, 2025 promoting construction of eligible facilities including stormwater detention basins, permeable roadways and sidewalks, and other public infrastructure that facilitates rainwater or stormwater recharge.

Requires rules to establish application timelines, certification procedures, eligibility criteria, and formulations for quantifying increased recharge and corresponding long-term storage credits over the infrastructure's useful life.

Exempts persons applying for long-term storage credits under this section from permitting requirements in article 2 of the chapter.