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Staff outlines state water policy review process; committee asked for questions
Summary
Committee counsel summarized Utah’s state water policy review requirement (established 2020) and described the policy’s three components: a statement of principles, 26 'will promote' statements, and guidance on interaction with federally reserved water rights; no immediate changes were proposed.
Patricia Owen, associate general counsel to the committee, briefed members on the annual state water policy review required under legislation enacted in 2020. She summarized the policy’s structure — a statement that the state will pursue adequate, reliable, affordable, sustainable and clean water resources, 26 specific 'will promote' statements (for example, promoting conservation and efficiency), and a section addressing interrelations with federally reserved water rights.
Owen noted the policy is aspirational and encourages consistent actions by state agencies without creating independent private causes of action or waiving state immunity. She also said the state water policy is a single section among other statutes that contain water policy language and that agencies have used the policy in planning work such as the state water plan and Legislative Water Development Commission activities.
No committee directions were issued; Owen offered to research further or draft changes if members want revisions.
