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Eastern Oregon Officials Back Water‑use Flexibility; Conservation Groups Urge Caution
Summary
HB 4006 would let certain Columbia River water‑right holders adjust diversion points and use rights on different land through intergovernmental entities; proponents say it enables regional resilience and economic development without increasing withdrawals, while opponents warn it reduces state oversight and risks groundwater contamination and enlargement of rights.
The committee heard competing views on House Bill 4006, which would allow specified Columbia River water‑right holders to change points of diversion or apply rights to different land parcels under certain conditions, often using intergovernmental entities modeled on chapter 190 agreements.
Supporters — including municipal managers, irrigation‑district representatives and county commissioners — said the measure provides needed flexibility for Eastern Oregon agriculture without creating new water rights, increasing diversion rates or…
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