Committee advances bill to bar using potable or irrigation water to produce hydrogen, agrees to draft regional and wastewater exceptions

Lawmakers advanced 26LSO0178, a draft statute declaring molecular destruction of water to produce hydrogen is not a "beneficial use;" the committee approved conceptual amendments to allow regional exceptions in over‑appropriated basins and carve‑outs for wastewater/produced water to be drafted before session, and advanced the bill on roll call.