STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 53rd Legislature (2011)

HOUSE BILL 1589	By:	Thomsen

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to waters and water rights; amending 82 O.S. 2001, Section 1020.2, which relates to public policy regarding the utilization of groundwater; clarifying exemption from Oklahoma Groundwater Law; providing an exception for water in mines from certain areas; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:
SECTION 1.     AMENDATORY     82 O.S. 2001, Section 1020.2, is amended to read as follows:
Section 1020.2  It is hereby declared to be the public policy of this state, in the interest of the agricultural stability, domestic, municipal, industrial and other beneficial uses, general economy, health and welfare of the state and its citizens, to utilize the groundwater resources of the state, and for that purpose to provide reasonable regulations for the allocation for reasonable use based on hydrologic surveys of fresh groundwater basins or subbasins to determine a restriction on the production, based upon the acres overlying the groundwater basin or subbasin.  The provisions of this act the Oklahoma Groundwater Law shall not apply to the taking, using or disposal of salt water associated with the exploration, production or recovery of oil and gas or to the taking, using or disposal of water trapped in producing mines unless the water originates from a sensitive sole-source groundwater basin or subbasin.
SECTION 2.  It being immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, by reason whereof this act shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage and approval.

53-1-5846	KB	12/30/10