Assembly Bill 9 revises agricultural water rights conversion terms
April 14, 2025 | House Bills - Introduced, House Bills, 2025 House and Senate Bills, Nevada Legislation Bills, Nevada
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Assembly Bill 9, introduced by the Nevada State Legislature on April 14, 2025, aims to revise key provisions related to agricultural water rights in the state. The bill proposes significant changes to the duration and conditions under which these rights can be temporarily converted for purposes such as wildlife conservation and water quality improvement.
Currently, agricultural water rights can be temporarily converted for a maximum of three years, with extensions also capped at three years. Assembly Bill 9 seeks to extend this duration to five years, allowing for longer-term conversions and extensions. This change is intended to provide greater flexibility for water rights holders while addressing environmental needs.
The bill also grants the State Engineer the authority to deny applications for temporary conversions or limit their duration under specific circumstances. Importantly, it stipulates that once a temporary conversion expires, the agricultural water right must revert to its original beneficial use, ensuring that the rights are not permanently lost.
Debate surrounding Assembly Bill 9 has focused on the balance between agricultural needs and environmental conservation. Proponents argue that the extended duration for temporary conversions will better support wildlife and water quality initiatives, while opponents express concerns about potential long-term impacts on agricultural water availability.
The bill has no projected fiscal impact on local or state governments, which may ease some concerns among lawmakers. However, its implications for water management in Nevada could be significant, especially in a state where water resources are increasingly strained due to climate change and population growth.
As Assembly Bill 9 moves through the legislative process, its outcomes could reshape how agricultural water rights are managed in Nevada, potentially setting a precedent for similar legislation in other states facing water resource challenges. The bill's progress will be closely monitored by stakeholders in both the agricultural and environmental sectors.
Currently, agricultural water rights can be temporarily converted for a maximum of three years, with extensions also capped at three years. Assembly Bill 9 seeks to extend this duration to five years, allowing for longer-term conversions and extensions. This change is intended to provide greater flexibility for water rights holders while addressing environmental needs.
The bill also grants the State Engineer the authority to deny applications for temporary conversions or limit their duration under specific circumstances. Importantly, it stipulates that once a temporary conversion expires, the agricultural water right must revert to its original beneficial use, ensuring that the rights are not permanently lost.
Debate surrounding Assembly Bill 9 has focused on the balance between agricultural needs and environmental conservation. Proponents argue that the extended duration for temporary conversions will better support wildlife and water quality initiatives, while opponents express concerns about potential long-term impacts on agricultural water availability.
The bill has no projected fiscal impact on local or state governments, which may ease some concerns among lawmakers. However, its implications for water management in Nevada could be significant, especially in a state where water resources are increasingly strained due to climate change and population growth.
As Assembly Bill 9 moves through the legislative process, its outcomes could reshape how agricultural water rights are managed in Nevada, potentially setting a precedent for similar legislation in other states facing water resource challenges. The bill's progress will be closely monitored by stakeholders in both the agricultural and environmental sectors.
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