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Committee introduces RS 32336 to set Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer recharge goal at 350,000 acre-feet per irrigation season
Summary
The House Resources and Conservation Committee voted to introduce RS 32336 with an amendment asking the Idaho Water Resource Board to establish a managed aquifer recharge goal of 350,000 acre-feet "for that irrigation season," or a higher goal set by an approved State Water Plan.
The House Resources and Conservation Committee on Friday voted to introduce RS 32336, an RS that directs the Idaho Water Resource Board to set a managed aquifer recharge goal for the Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer of 350,000 acre-feet "for that irrigation season," or a higher goal set by an approved State Water Plan and met for that irrigation season.
The RS was presented by Representative Stephanie Mickelson, Bonneville County, Legislative District 32, who said, "The RS before you is simply to set the recharge goal for the Eastern Snake River Plain," and explained the change aims to ensure water is routed into aquifer recharge when those water rights are in priority. Mickelson told the committee the state believes the aquifer is in decline and that the amendment sets a minimum amount that must be met before diversions for other purposes occur.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the amendment. Representative Mann asked Mickelson to read the revised paragraph aloud. Representative Miller asked whether the phrase "for that irrigation season" was defined; Mickelson replied, "The irrigation season starts, I believe November 1 and ends October 30. And it is it is laid out in state code." Miller said the insertion of "that" clarified the intent, and Mickelson said the language creates a floor so recharge must reach the stated amount before water rights are diverted elsewhere.
Representative Vanders moved the motion to introduce RS 32336 with the stated amendments. The chair called for a voice vote; "All in favor... please respond by saying aye. Aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. It'll be done," the chair said, and the motion passed. The transcript records a voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided.
The RS will proceed as an introduced item; additional committee consideration, hearings or amendments may follow in later action. The committee also handled other RS introductions during the same meeting.
