Water sustainability task force advanced

Senators gave first-round approval March 28 to a bill that would create a task force to address the long-term sustainability of state water resources.

LB517, introduced by Holdrege Sen. Tom Carlson, would create a 15-member task force to work on the state’s water issues. Carlson said water is the most important natural resource in Nebraska and its proper management is necessary.

“The drought of 2012 has helped us to realize that our water supply is not unlimited,” he said. “The state must engage in and invest in building a new water supply infrastructure and promoting collaboration among all water users.”

A Natural Resources Committee amendment, adopted 33-0, replaced the bill and would create the Water Funding Task Force, which would comprise the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, the director of Natural Resources, the chairperson of the Natural Resources Committee and 10 additional members to be appointed by the governor.

The bill also would allocate $3 million for research, data collection and production of a final report, which the task force would submit to the Legislature by Jan. 31, 2014. The report would identify water resources programs, projects and activities in need of funding to meet the long-term statewide goals of water sustainability, efficiency and productivity including:
• research, data and modeling needed to assist the state in meeting its water management goals;
• rehabilitation or restoration of existing and new water supply infrastructure;
• conjunctive management, storage and integrated management of ground and surface water; and
• compliance with interstate compacts or agreements.

Fullerton Sen. Annette Dubas supported the bill, saying that water is vital in every aspect of daily life.

“This bill is about more than agricultural use of water,” she said. “This is about ensuring our water resources will be here for all of us. Do we feel this issue is important enough that we’re willing to invest our dollars to ensure this resource is protected from here on out?”

Ogallala Sen. Ken Schilz also supported the bill. He said the issue of water management has been overlooked for too long.

“2003 was the last time someone brought a proposal to the Legislature dedicated to the study of water,” he said. “We can’t just plan for it year after year. We need to start managing it.”

Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop supported the intent of the bill, but said carrying out the future task force’s recommendations would cost money and ultimately require tax increases or education cuts.

“The only reason to do a study like this is if we’re prepared to follow through with the recommendations,” Lathrop said. “When this bill turns into higher taxes, are you still willing to vote for it?”

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers introduced, and later withdrew, an amendment that would have removed the governor’s authority to appoint members to the task force, saying the natural tension between the executive and legislative branches would threaten the efficacy of the task force.

“You cannot look at things in isolation,” he said. “There would be an inability to look at the complete picture.”

Senators advanced the bill to select file on a 36-0 vote.