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Bill

HB 90

State engineer-consumptive water use study.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Allemand and 9 co-sponsors

Wyoming directs State Engineer to study consumptive water use statewide to establish baseline data for future water management and allocation decisions.

H Received for Introduction
0
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Bill Summary · HB 90

Legislative bill overview

HB 90 directs Wyoming's State Engineer to conduct a comprehensive study of consumptive water use across the state. The bill appears to mandate an analysis of how water is being consumed by various users and sectors, likely to inform future water management and allocation policies. This is a data-gathering and planning measure rather than one that directly implements new regulations.

Why is this important

Water is Wyoming's most valuable natural resource, critical for agriculture (which dominates state water use), energy production, municipalities, and ecosystem health. Understanding consumptive water use patterns is foundational for addressing long-term water availability challenges, particularly as population grows and climate conditions shift. Accurate data enables policymakers to make informed decisions about water rights, transfers, and allocation during periods of scarcity.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural impact: Farming and ranching consume the vast majority of Wyoming's water; farmers may worry the study could lead to restrictions on agricultural water access or forced conservation measures
  • Study scope and cost: Ambiguity about what the study covers, how detailed it must be, and its budget could create implementation disputes or concerns about excessive state spending
  • Data accessibility: Questions may arise over who gets access to consumptive use data and whether it could be used against private water right holders in future legal or regulatory proceedings

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

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