As we begin to prepare for the 2025 legislative session and MSGa’s annual convention, water is anticipated to be a topic on the minds of many. The comprehensive working group has worked alongside DNRC to develop proposed policy on priority issues.
To help inform our members of the proposed solutions that will be presented at the upcoming legislative session, MSGA will be hosting a three-part webinar series. I invite you to participate in one or all of the sessions. As you know, water is not a simple topic and many of the proposals are multi-faceted and complex processes. We wanted to give our members the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge prior to convention, because we know there just is not enough time in our water policy committee meeting.
October 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM
The Comprehensive Water Review Overview and Water Funding
This webinar will provide an overview of DNRC’s comprehensive water review process. We will discuss the future of water storage in Montana and what funding packages might look like as we move into the 2025 legislative session. Additionally, the webinar will cover proposed updates to change processes and the process for provisional permit reconciliation.
October 24, 2024 at 6:00 PM
The Role of the Judiciary
Following the completion of the adjudication process, there leaves a question as to, what is the role of the judiciary? This session will cover the proposed changes to the current statutory structure for the post final decree administration and regulation of water rights. We will also cover how this proposed legislation is different and similar to the previous legislation, SB 72.
November 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM
The Future of Exempt Wells
Members of the Comprehensive Water Review have drafted a proposal that will provide more clarity and assurance for those using exempt wells. The group has looked at vulnerable areas in the state where exempt well use has created issues and other parts of the state where there are not current concerns with exempt well use. This session will walk participants through the science used in the proposal and how the exempt well process could be managed in the future.
