Under existing law, the State Engineer may grant a permit for a temporary change of the place of diversion, manner of use or place of use of water already appropriated for a period not to exceed 1 year. Before granting such a permit, if the State Engineer determines that a temporary change may not be in the public interest, or may impair the water rights held by other persons, existing law: (1) requires the State Engineer to give notice of the application; (2) authorizes any interested person to file a written protest to the application; and (3) if a protest is filed, provides that the State Engineer may hold a hearing. (NRS 533.345) Section 4 of this bill authorizes the State Engineer to grant an application for such a temporary change for a period not to exceed 3 years if the temporary change is for a renewable energy generation project. If an application for a temporary change is filed for a period of more than 1 year for such a renewable energy project, section 4 requires the State Engineer to give notice of the application.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 532.167, 533.005, 533.345, 534.010, 534.120
Reprint 1: 533.345
As Enrolled: 533.345
BDR: 532.167, 533.005, 533.345, 534.010, 534.120