Georgia Water Planning Bill Stalls

A potential agreement on a water planning bill broke down today amid complaints that the Legislature would not have enough control over a new plan to manage Georgia's water.

The House and Senate had tentatively agreed on bill directing the state Department of Natural Resources to start writing a water plan. The measure seemed headed to quick approval because the controversial aspects of the bill – which originally allowed water permit trading and some interbasin transfers – were removed.

But the House voted unanimously to reject that agreement Thursday after sponsors complained the Legislature would not be able to change the DNR's plan once it was written. The vote sends the agreement back to the Senate, setting up another likely conference committee to hone the bill.

The bill's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Bob Hanner of Parrot, apologized for signing the agreement without noticing that the Legislature's role would be reduced.

Source: The Associated Press