STATE OF OKLAHOMA

1st Session of the 53rd Legislature (2011)

SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION 24	By:	Paddack

AS INTRODUCED

A Joint Resolution directing certain state agencies to submit report stating progress of implementing state policy for water reuse by certain date; stating requirements of report; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Legislature recognizes that Oklahoma has been blessed with a diversity of natural resources that enhance the quality of life of the citizens of the state; and
WHEREAS, in order to ensure that the natural resources that Oklahomans currently enjoy are available to future generations of Oklahomans, it is necessary to make wise and efficient use of those resources; and
WHEREAS, no natural resource is more vital to the health, welfare and quality of life of Oklahomans and to the economic well-being of the state than its groundwater and surface water resources; and
WHEREAS, in order to preserve the state’s invaluable water resources for the benefit of our citizens and its visitors, more efficient use of the available water is necessary; and
WHEREAS, making more efficient use of water requires the development of means and processes to reuse water for multiple purposes whenever and wherever that reuse is protective of human health and the environment; and
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, by virtue of its statutory responsibilities for drinking water protection and water pollution control, and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, by virtue of its statutory authorities to ensure long-term water availability and establish water quality standards to protect the beneficial uses of state waters, are the appropriate agencies to coordinate stakeholders and interest groups in exploring water reuse options.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 1ST SESSION OF THE 53RD OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
SECTION 1.  The Executive Directors of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board shall submit a report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate by January 1, 2013.  The report shall detail the progress made to implement the state policy of water reuse.  The report shall, at a minimum, describe the means and processes developed for water reuse and the nature of the agencies’ efforts to involve the expertise, insight and input, and encourage the collaboration of stakeholders and groups with an interest in water reuse.
SECTION 2.  The Secretary of State is hereby directed to distribute copies of this resolution to the Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

53-1-235	MJM	1/18/2011 12:35:05 PM