OR HB2988

Water Resources Department must consult with DEQ, Oregon Health Authority, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other agencies to identify ways to expand aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery programs while protecting public health, groundwater quality, and ecosystems

Department must identify project types that support water quality, water supply, and habitat needs, as well as regulatory improvements to encourage expansion and timely permit decisions

Department must review environmentally protective approaches used by other states with robust aquifer programs and identify needed regulatory changes to internal guidance, rules, or laws

Report due to Legislative Assembly interim water committees by January 1, 2027, covering recommended policy changes, programmatic needs, technical assistance resources, agency resource needs, and federal/state funding mechanisms

Reporting requirement in Section 2 automatically repeals on January 2, 2027