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State water council proposes rule changes for regional appointments

On Sept. 29, the State Water Council held its first meeting since 2008 to announce several proposed rule changes aimed at streamlining the process by which the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house appoint members to the regional water planning councils. The State Water Council is responsible for overseeing the ten regional water councils and developing the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan (State Water Plan). The State Water Council is chaired by the director of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD).

Here is a summary of the proposed changes:

•       Reduces total size of each regional council to 15 members;

•       The governor will appoint seven members, the lieutenant governor will appoint three members and an ex officio, and the speaker will appoint three members and an ex officio;

•       Removes Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Department of Community Affairs and Georgia Department of Economic Development from the nominee review process;

•       For each water council, at least 1 member shall be appointed to represent each sector of the four water use sectors: municipal, industrial, agricultural and energy;

•       Term lengths extended to six-year terms;

•       Memoranda of agreement between EPD, Department of Community Affairs, and regional water planning councils will be renewed as necessary.

To read the full proposed changes and press release, click here.

The rule changes proposed by the State Water Council on Sept. 29 are now in 45-day public comment period, during which two upcoming public hearings will be held. The public comment period will close Nov. 14, both public hearings will be held on Nov. 10, one in person and one virtual. All details can be found at http://waterplanning.georgia.gov. The State Water Council must vote to approve these changes, and then the General Assembly must pass a resolution for the changes to become effective.

The regional water planning councils play a crucial role in allowing public input to decide how water resources are managed across Georgia. Many Georgia Farm Bureau members serve on these councils.

If you interested in serving, please reach out to GFB State Affairs Manager Adam Belflower at acbelflower@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5259.

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