By Blake Jackson
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law a new measure aimed at regulating the export of water out of the state. The legislation requires individuals or entities to obtain a permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before exporting any water across state lines.
The new law is designed to ensure that Missouri’s water resources remain protected and available for in-state use. “Water is kind of the new gold, and the further you go west, the more valuable it becomes. So, making sure we protect one of our resources has been very important to me,” Governor Kehoe said during the bill signing ceremony.
The legislation also includes restrictions on the location of water withdrawal and its end use. Specifically, water drawn for export through a pipeline facility must be used within 30 miles of Missouri’s border.
Additionally, any party exporting water must submit annual reports to the DNR detailing volumes used, withdrawal rates, and the final usage of the water.
State Senator Jamie Burger, R-Benton, who sponsored the bill, said. “Where we have plentiful water, let's send it to north-central Missouri where they don't have the water. Keep it in Missouri.”
In times of drought, the DNR must review existing water export permits if a state of emergency is declared.
Photo Credit: pexels-ron-lach
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy