HB2020 proposes amendments to the Arizona Revised Statutes relating to long-term storage credits for water. The bill would allow a person who develops infrastructure in an active management area (AMA) that incidentally recharges an aquifer to qualify for long-term storage credits. This includes infrastructure that results in increased natural, incidental, or artificial recharge to the groundwater basin. The bill also mandates the Director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) to adopt rules by January 1, 2025, to promote the construction of facilities eligible for these credits, such as stormwater detention basins, roadways, and sidewalks that facilitate stormwater recharge, and other public infrastructure that aids rainwater or stormwater recharge.

The proposed rules would outline the application timeline, procedures for certifying qualifying infrastructure, criteria for eligibility, and formulas for quantifying the increased recharge and corresponding long-term storage credits expected to be earned over the infrastructure's useful life. Additionally, the bill exempts applicants for these credits from the permitting requirements of an underground storage facility permit or groundwater savings facility permit. However, the bill was vetoed by the Governor due to concerns that it could weaken water protections and does not adequately address groundwater challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-815.01, 45-861.01, 45-131
House Engrossed Version: 45-815.01, 45-861.01, 45-131