In the waning hours of the 2013 legislative session, lawmakers passed legislation that will change how members are selected for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. SB 965 provides more regional representation on the board.
SB 965 transitions representation on the nine-member OWRB – from one representative from each congressional district and four at-large positions, to one representative from nine geographic areas. The three Panhandle counties get one seat, as does Oklahoma County and Tulsa County, as those areas are the biggest water users in the state. The transition begins in 2014 and adds the requirement that one of the board members be well versed in oil and gas production.
SB 965 addressed concerns about a lack of regional representation on the OWRB of directors.
“We strongly support SB 965 because it provides a fair and balanced regional representation on the Water Resources Board,” Spradling said.
Spradling said the legislation is important to Oklahoma agriculture because the industry uses almost half the state’s water resources.
“The agriculture industry is a major economic engine for Oklahoma, providing billions of dollars of income,” Spradling said. “This is made possible in part by the judicious and conservative use of water to grow food and fiber.”
Spradling praised the legislations’ key authors, Sen. Bryce Marlatt and Rep. Mike Jackson.
“Sen. Marlatt and Rep. Jackson are visionary leaders who understand the reality and importance of agriculture in this state,” Spradling said.
Governor Fallin signed the measure May 31 and received a hardy “thank you” from the farm group.
“Gov. Fallin has once again shown her support for agriculture and rural areas,” Spradling said.
