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Committee debates agricultural water rates after CUC failed to adopt rules
Summary
Senate Bill 24-02 would set agricultural water rates for commercial farmers, ranchers and livestock producers; committee members and counsel said the statute authorizing a 25¢ per 1,000-gallon rate exists but CUC never promulgated implementing rules, and lawmakers pressed for cost analyses, PUC/CUC participation and infrastructure mapping.
Senate Bill 24-02, introduced to amend 4 CMC sections 81-82 and 81-83 and establish agricultural water-usage rates for commercial farmers, ranchers and livestock producers, drew wide debate about implementation, infrastructure access and which agency should set rates.
Senator Jude Hofschneider, a bill proponent in the committee, said the statute contains language on agricultural rates but agency action has been missing. “...the utility corporation never, promulgated the necessary rules at the time it was passed into law,” he said, explaining the bill adds livestock producers and clarifies obligations.
Committee counsel clarified there is currently no implemented rate because CUC never…
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