Lamb Issues Broad Policy Report on Eve of Session

OKLAHOMA CITY - Lt. Governor Todd Lamb published his 2012 Policy and Issues Report last week. The report contains ideas, advice and suggestions from Oklahomans from every corner of the state. 

In the year since Lamb took office he has visited all 77 counties asking one important question, “What impedes your opportunity for growth?”

Attendees of Lamb’s town hall meetings have included people from all walks of life according to the report. The report is a distillation of what Lamb has heard from those who have attended his meetings. 

The report has been presented to Governor Mary Fallin and legislative leaders before the 2012 legislative session begins. 

The report is divided into two parts. The first is Lamb’s vision for the future of the state. The second contains the many ideas gleaned from his conversations while traveling the state. 

The income tax, education, water and the creation of jobs are among the several topics covered in the report. 

Lamb says the report is intended to spark “further debate and discussion” by legislators as they look for ways to make Oklahoma more competitive economically. 

“Oklahoma is the best state in the nation,” Lamb said. “It’s time we compete with other state in something besides football.”

An online copy of the report can be obtained on the Lt. Governor’s website. 

AG and Water Resources Board Comments on Tarrant County Water Decision

Attorney General Scott Pruitt

Judge denies rehearing for Texas water provider

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Scott Pruitt joined the Oklahoma Water Resources Board in backing Oklahoma water rights, following last week's positive decision at the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

The court denied a petition from the Tarrant Regional Water District to rehear their lawsuit seeking to allow Texas to take water from Oklahoma. 

“We are pleased with the court’s decision,” Attorney General Scott Pruitt said. “The ruling underscores that the people of Oklahoma should not be mandated through litigation to shape water policy. Water is an important resource that is vital to Oklahomans, and my office will continue to defend our state’s interests.” 

“The Governor and Oklahoma Legislature made it clear that Oklahoma must set its own water policy,” said J.D. Strong, executive director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. “The court’s decision further supports our position.”

Legislative Leaders Announce Committee To Develop Long-range Water Policy

House Speaker Kris Steele and Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman have ordered the formation of a joint legislative committee to review the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan and develop a long-range state water policy.

The committee will begin working over the legislative interim and continue to work during next year’s legislative session. While the committee’s immediate goal is to review the water plan, its ultimate purpose is to facilitate the development of long-range water policy for Oklahoma.

“Responsible allocation of water – our most precious natural resource – is among the greatest responsibilities we have today to the citizens of tomorrow,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “The state’s last 50-year water plan is about to expire. We need a new one, and we need it now. With the updated comprehensive water plan nearly complete, we must no longer defer action on this vital issue.”

The committee’s co-chairmen will be Rep. Phil Richardson, R-Minco, and Sen. Brian Crain, R-Tulsa. Its membership will be bipartisan and geographically diverse. Committee members and additional details will be announced later this month.

“To develop a plan that works for all of Oklahoma, we must include all of Oklahoma,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa. “The committee will take all interests into account, whether they are rural, urban, tribal, or anywhere in between.”

Drafts of the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan have been publicly available since April. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board will approve a final version of the plan in October.

“The water board has labored for years to put together a fair, unbiased, evidence-based report on water in Oklahoma. We must allow them to continue their work without the appearance of any premature political influence, so the committee will not be taking any official actions until after the water plan has been finalized,” Steele said. “In the meantime, it is prudent for the Legislature to begin at least reviewing the parts of the plan that are publicly available. The plan is lengthy and complex, so we need to make sure we’re doing our due diligence in preparing ourselves to act upon it next year.”

Steele and Bingman said water policy will be a top priority in the Legislature next year and urged legislators to approach the issue with open minds.

“We simply cannot afford to waste time or play political games with our water policy. It is too important to the future of our state,” Steele said.

“Water policy is a complex and sometimes emotional issue, but I am confident that the leadership and will power exists within this Legislature to meet this challenge,” Bingman said.

Legislation Protecting Oklahoma’s Water Interests Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2009) – Legislation ensuring Oklahoma’s current and future water needs take precedence over any other considerations overwhelmingly passed the House today.

House Bill 1483, co-authored by Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, asserts Oklahoma’s claim to its waters under federal interstate compacts, which have been agreed to by the state of Oklahoma and its neighboring states and have been approved by Congress. It also further restates existing law providing legislative oversight pertaining to water decisions.

“This legislation protects Oklahomans and the water resources within our state,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “Our neighboring states have agreed to our interstate compacts. This legislation asserts our claims in direct accordance with those compacts.”

The state of Oklahoma is currently being sued by Dallas and Tarrant County, Texas, who are seeking a water permit to access clean Oklahoma water. At issue is a current statewide moratorium on out-of-state water sales, which the lawsuit claims contradicts the federal Interstate Commerce Clause of the Constitution.

The moratorium is set to expire this November, and the trial is currently on the docket for December.

“This bill helps us control our own destiny,” said Rep. Dale DeWitt, R-Braman and author of the bill. “This bill is not about selling water; it is about protecting Oklahoma’s interests and taking care of our present and future water resources.”

The legislation passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 91-5 and returns to the Senate for final consideration.