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House advances bill to create advisory role in interstate groundwater talks with Nevada
Summary
Third substitute House Bill 422 was amended to expand legislative participation on an advisory committee and move an effective date earlier with a two-thirds vote; sponsors framed the measure as a response to Southern Nevada’s negotiations over West Desert water and the bill passed 64-0-11.
The House passed third substitute House Bill 422 after adopting an amendment to broaden legislative participation in an advisory committee and to make the bill effective sooner if approved by a two-thirds majority.
Representative Jackie Biskupski, sponsor of HB 422, said the bill creates an advisory committee to work with the negotiating team on interstate discussions about western Utah groundwater that Nevada has sought to tap. "One of the things that we found out today is that Pat Mulroy, who is the general manager for Southern Nevada Water Authority, stated this morning... that they will have an agreement despite the Utah resolution," the sponsor said to underscore urgency.
Amendment number three (dated Feb. 21, 2007) adds a few additional legislators to the committee and moves the effective date forward if a two-thirds vote is achieved in both chambers. Sponsors and supporters argued the change will keep the Legislature informed and involved without unduly delaying negotiations. The bill passed on the House floor by recorded tally (64 yes, 0 no, 11 absent) and will be transmitted to the Senate.
Floor debate emphasized the importance of legislative oversight and county participation in water negotiations with Nevada. The advisory committee was described as a way to keep the Legislature ‘‘at the table’’ while negotiations proceed.
