1522.05 Organization and operation of water resources council.

1522.05 Organization and operation of water resources council.

(A) Pursuant to Section 9.2 of the great lakes-st. Lawrence river basin water resources compact, the governor may take such actions as are necessary for the initial organization and operation of the great lakes-st. Lawrence river basin water resources council created in Section 2.1 of the compact. Agencies of the state are hereby authorized to cooperate with the council.

(B)(1) The governor, the department of natural resources, or any other agency of the state shall not adopt rules or implement any program regulating the use, withdrawal, consumptive use, or diversion of water pursuant to Sections 4.10 and 4.12.2 of the compact unless the general assembly enacts legislation after the effective date of this section authorizing the implementation of the program or adoption of rules.

In addition, the governor, the department of natural resources, or any other agency of the state shall not adopt rules or implement any mandatory program governing water conservation and efficiency pursuant to Section 4.2 of the compact unless the general assembly enacts legislation after the effective date of the compact authorizing the implementation of the program or adoption of rules. However, the governor, the department of natural resources, or any other agency of the state may adopt rules concerning and may implement voluntary water conservation and efficiency programs without authorization from the general assembly. Such voluntary programs shall not include any mandatory requirements.

(2) Division (B)(1) of this section does not prohibit the effectuation of Sections 4.8 and 4.9 of the compact after the effective date of the compact or prohibit the continued implementation and enforcement by the governor or applicable agencies of this state of laws, rules, or programs regulating the use, withdrawal, consumptive use, or diversion of water that are in effect on or before the effective date of this section.

Effective Date: 2008 HB416 12-08-2008