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Bill to reinstate temporary water-leasing returns with negotiated amendments, draws mixed support
Summary
SB 178 would reinstate a temporary water-leasing tool with negotiated amendments to provide flexibility while protecting senior rights; supporters say amendments add appropriate notice and caps, while opponents pushed for stronger prior notice and DNRC review authority.
Senator Sue Vinton introduced Senate Bill 178 as a bipartisan effort to reinstate a temporary statutory tool that allows water-right holders to lease consumptive volumes for short-term uses without endangering senior rights. The sponsor said the revived statute updates a prior program that sunset and was intended to enable conservation, agriculture and business flexibility.
Clayton Elliott of Montana Trout Unlimited described a negotiated package of amendments designed to add notice and objection timelines, limit expansion of…
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