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Lawmakers discuss H.240 to let governor order reservoir drawdowns ahead of storms
Summary
Representative Dan Noyce told the House Government Operations & Military Affairs Committee that H.240 would permit the governor, in coordination with the Agency of Natural Resources, to direct pre-storm drawdowns of reservoirs to reduce downstream flooding risk.
Representative Dan Noyce, the sponsor of H.240, told the House Government Operations & Military Affairs Committee he drafted the bill after conversations with municipal utility managers and local officials about repeated flooding in Lamoille County communities.
The bill would give the governor authority, in coordination with the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), to direct reservoir drawdowns ahead of an imminent storm to reduce downstream flooding, while requiring coordination and oversight to avoid creating downstream risks.
"If we could take 6 inches of water out of Johnson, we'd save an awful lot," Representative Dan Noyce said, describing Green River Reservoir and downstream communities including Morrisville, Hyde Park, Johnson and Cambridge. He said the proposal is intended to allow planned, coordinated drawdowns rather than ad hoc or unauthorized releases.
Noyce said he had met with Scott Johnstone of Morrisville Water and Light, who told him the utility would find such authority helpful. He noted ANR regulations and existing dam-permit conditions currently limit when operators may reduce reservoir levels.
Committee members questioned operational details. Representative Coffin asked how much lead time would be needed; Noyce said operators often work from forecasts "8, 10 days out" and could begin drawing water before rain arrives. Representative Hoover asked whether schedules differ for hydroelectric reservoirs; Noyce said permits that set target reservoir levels are the main constraint and that the bill would provide a framework to allow temporary deviations when coordinated with state agencies.
Members also referenced past storms and dam-safety reviews. Noyce cited flooding linked to Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy and recent 2023 events as evidence that such measures may be needed more than occasionally. The committee discussed the need to coordinate among multiple impoundments and downstream reservoirs so a drawdown at one site does not overload another.
Chair Byron said the committee would "dog‑ear" H.240 for further discussion in upcoming emergency response work. The bill as discussed in committee did not include a formal vote during this hearing.
