Oklahoma water news, 1st qtr 2012

              The Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations sued the State of Oklahoma in
August, claiming they deserved control over the water resources in
22 counties in southeastern Oklahoma. If successful, the tribes would
assume responsibility for Oklahoma’s most precious resource even
though the state has provided more than 100 years of uninterrupted
leadership experience in managing our waters and meeting our
future water needs. Our laws and long legacy of water management
ensure stability of water use and protection and avoid the potentially
devastating economic consequences resulting from instability. The
state has tried, and remains interested in, settling the dispute outside
1st Quarter 2012
House Speaker Announces
Water Policy Foundation
OWRB Launches Online
Temporary Permit
Application
New Web Page Presents
Water Lawsuit Information
Drake Appointed to OWRB
Board Approves Tentative
Yield for Arbuckle-Simpson
Maximum Annual Yield
Determination
2012 Water Appreciation
Day
OCWP Publications and
Resources
Drought Update
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House Speaker Announces Water Policy Foundation
Citing the importance of Oklahoma’s
water resources as well as water’s vital
role in state growth, House Speaker Kris
Steele announced sweeping water policy
proposals this legislative session that
will collectively serve as a foundation
for Oklahoma’s water future. The suite
of House legislation aims to increase
water monitoring, establish regional
water planning groups, improve water
infrastructure funding programs, and
encourage water conservation and reuse.
“Providing water for all Oklahomans is
among the greatest responsibilities we
have today to the citizens of tomorrow,”
said Speaker Steele at a press conference
held in conjunction with Water
Appreciation Day on February 13 at the
State Capitol. “While we won’t be able to
solve all our water issues in just one year,
pursuing these policies this session will allow us to lay a foundation to build on.”
“If Oklahoma wants to be pro-growth, water policy must be a priority,” Steele added. “Without
water, the state can’t grow, so we must do everything we can to ensure we have the water we
need.”
Referring to the ongoing dispute between the State and Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations
concerning water rights and the impact on policy development, Steele emphasized, “We will not
be deterred by litigation and will work aggressively this session to lay a foundation for Oklahoma’s
water future. As the elected officials of all Oklahomans, it is our duty to ensure each and every
Oklahoman has the water they need.”
House Speaker Kris Steele (right), joined by Rep. Phil
Richardson, co-chairman of the Joint Water Committee, outlines
his Water for 2060 Act and other proposed water legislation at the
Water Appreciation Day press conference held at the State Capitol
on February 13.