Committee examines H.397 language to allow pre‑flood dam drawdowns under governor’s emergency authority

The Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee reviewed proposed language in H.397 on May 7 that would authorize pre‑flood drawdowns of reservoirs and dams under the governor’s emergency authority, subject to conditions and an approved drawdown plan.

Legislative counsel described new subdivision language that would let the governor, in consultation with the secretary of natural resources, authorize temporary waiver of permits and water‑quality restrictions to lower water levels when a flood event “is likely to cause substantial damage or injury,” but only if officials reasonably conclude the drawdown will reduce that risk. The draft requires dam operators using a waiver to adopt a secretary‑approved drawdown plan before implementation.

Why it matters: proponents say pre‑event drawdowns can reduce overtopping and downstream flood damage by using existing reservoir capacity; opponents and agency staff warned the tactic can harm dams or…