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HB 397: STATE ENGINEER APPLICATION REJECTIONS

An Act Relating To Water; Requiring The State Engineer To Reject Incomplete Applications For New Appropriations Of Water; Imposing Procedures And Standards For Applications To Appropriate Water

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MILD HB 397
STATE ENGINEER APPLICATION REJECTIONS

Legislative URL:
HB 397 on nmlegis.gov
Emergency Clause:
No
Germane:
N/A
Location:
- OTHER -
Action:
[13] HAGC/HJC-HAGC [29] DP/a-HJC API.
Issue(s):

Related Legislators

Bill Sponsor:

Related Documents

Downloads:
Introduced
HAGC Committee Report
Fiscal Impact Report
Summary

This measure adds two requirements to current law regarding applications to the State Engineer for the appropriation of surface or underground water (not including applications for livestock watering or domestic or temporary use). Under the bill, the State Engineer will not accept applications for a new appropriation of surface or underground water if the application does not provide sufficient information for the State Engineer to determine “whether the proposed appropriation would impair existing rights, be contrary to the conservation of water or be detrimental to the public welfare.” In addition, the State Engineer will be required personally to review any application to appropriate more than 1,000 acre-feet of water for a new appropriation before accepting the application.

This bill appears to be a positive step towards enhancing efficiency in the procedures for water appropriations and might also help ensure that the State Engineer has all the information needed to make the determination.

Outcome: HB 397 died in the House Judiciary Committee.

Date of Summary:  2/4/13; Updated 5/21/13