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Committee advances DNR cleanup bill that includes $5 million for water litigation

House Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Standing Committee · February 11, 2026

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Summary

HB 157 Sub 3, a DNR cleanup measure that adds a groundwater seat to the UGS board and contains language allowing up to $5,000,000 in FY 2027 for water litigation (primarily Colorado River matters), was adopted and moved out of committee with a favorable recommendation.

Representative Shipp presented HB 157 Sub 3 as a cleanup bill for the Department of Natural Resources. Key provisions include adding a groundwater/water-resources seat to the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) board, removing a $10 million cap on low‑interest loans for secondary water metering, and authorizing DNR to fund ongoing litigation related to the state’s water interests.

Representative Shipp told the committee the fiscal note includes $5,000,000 for FY 2027 earmarked to litigate Colorado River issues; he said the funding could be used for other water litigation if necessary. Nathan Schwabach, deputy director at DNR, described the agencies’ routine code review and the bill’s intent to streamline state natural-resources code.

The committee adopted Sub 3 and then voted to move HB 157 Sub 3 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.