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Bill

HB 2813

Relating to water right retirement under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program; declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session

Oregon streamlines agricultural water right retirement under a conservation program to balance farm operations with environmental water restoration needs.

In committee upon adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2813

Legislative bill overview

HB 2813 modifies Oregon's water right retirement procedures within the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), a federal-state cost-sharing initiative that compensates landowners for retiring agricultural water rights to restore environmental flows. The bill declares an emergency, indicating urgent implementation is sought. The specific amendments and mechanisms are not detailed in the action log provided, but the bill appears designed to streamline or expand water right retirement options.

Why is this important

Water rights directly affect agricultural viability, environmental stream health, and competition between farming and ecosystem restoration in water-scarce regions. Oregon faces ongoing tensions between irrigated agriculture and endangered species protection (particularly salmon), making water right retirement mechanisms critical policy tools. Emergency declaration suggests lawmakers view this as time-sensitive for either environmental or agricultural interests.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural impact: Farmers may oppose provisions that make retiring water rights more attractive or mandatory, viewing it as a threat to agricultural livelihoods and rural economies
  • Cost and funding: Disputes likely over whether compensation rates are adequate for landowners or whether state/federal funding commitments are sustainable
  • Environmental effectiveness: Disagreement over whether water right retirement actually achieves meaningful environmental restoration versus merely shifting water use patterns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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