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GA HB1622
Bill
Status
Introduced
4/4/2022
Primary Sponsor
Marvin Lim
Click for details
AI Summary
- Adds two Governor-appointed members to the Water Council who serve four-year terms and represent a diversity of water users, including farmers, urban residents, anglers, industry, private landowners, water supply operators, and conservation organizations
- Requires the Water Council to provide recommendations to the Environmental Protection Division on topics including block tariff water pricing structures, financing for water infrastructure upgrades (e.g., septic systems, smart monitors, solar-powered pumps), access to affordable drinking water, assistance for low-impact farming practices, and coastal community preparedness for sea level rise and extreme weather
- Requires the Environmental Protection Division to submit a written report to the General Assembly and the Governor after each triennial plan review on the status of implementing the comprehensive state-wide water management plan and the resources needed for full implementation
- Establishes a network of Regional Water Districts (outside the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District) governed by Regional Water Councils, with jurisdictions based on natural hydrological boundaries such as river basins and watersheds, and members nominated and approved by the General Assembly
- Grants Regional Water Councils authority to levy fees on water users, create water banking mechanisms to store surface water in aquifers, establish water rights trading systems based on historic usage, and enforce local government compliance—with noncompliant local governments rendered ineligible for state water-related grants or loans
Legislative Description
Conservation and natural resources; add two members to Water Council
Last Action
House Hopper
4/4/2022
Full Bill Text
No bill text available