Nevada Farm Bureau advocates for water rights reform in AB 419 hearings

On April 9, 2025, the Nevada Assembly Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss Assembly Bill 419, which aims to reform the state's water rights application process. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the current backlog at the Division of Water Resources (DWR) and the implications for economic development in Nevada.

Doug Busselman, Executive Vice President of the Nevada Farm Bureau, expressed a neutral stance on the bill while emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to improve water resource management. He noted that while the bill presents potential for positive change, it is crucial to engage stakeholders in ongoing discussions to refine the proposed processes.

Jay Dixon from the Water Strategy Group underscored the historical context of Nevada water law, stressing the importance of the state engineer's role in allocating water to support economic growth. He pointed out that the office's primary function is to maximize the beneficial use of water, a principle that should guide future legislative efforts.

Paul Taggart, a water rights attorney, highlighted the pressing issue of the backlog at the DWR, which he described as a barrier to business development in the state. He called for a review of the change application process, which often takes years to complete, and suggested that the legislature should receive regular updates on application processing times. Taggart advocated for a more scientific approach to water allocation, separating policy concerns from the technical aspects of water rights management.

The discussions revealed a consensus on the need for reform in the water rights application process, with participants acknowledging the challenges posed by lengthy approval times. The committee's deliberations indicate a commitment to addressing these issues, with potential next steps including further stakeholder engagement and possibly an interim study to explore the complexities of water rights management in Nevada.

As the state grapples with increasing demands for water resources amid a housing crisis and economic growth, the outcomes of these discussions will be critical in shaping Nevada's water policy and its ability to support sustainable development.