It is very apparent Nevadans need to conserve our valuable water resources. With Lake Mead being overly allocated to outside states and Mexico already, and drought conditions affecting Nevada and the West, we must be good stewards of our water. However, with that being said, I firmly believe that well-informed citizens in our state make good choices and exercise good stewardship of these resources without excessive government coercion and regulation.
The state water engineer's 1293A order was vociferously opposed by Pahrump (Nye County) citizens several years ago. The 5th Judicial District Court actually sided with the citizens. The Nevada Supreme Court however, later sided with the State of Nevada and derailed our citizens' legal challenge. This was not a fair solution to our water woes. Nevada Law clearly states that a resident seeking to drill a domestic well for family/domestic use, is entitled to do so and use no more that 2 acre feet per year. Factually speaking, very few homeowners/landowners come close to using that domestic allocation. The data suggests most Nevadans using domestic well water, do so in a very responsible manner. Yes there is the provision whereby the state engineer can intervene and thereby restrict certain uses, but this sweeping and oppressive order is far too drastic. The unintended consequences of allowing a strangling restriction on folks utilizing their residential, private, and legal right to dig a personal well when no nearby utilities exist, is wrong. Meanwhile, the proposals for industrial solar farms and other commercial projects (which could use adverse amounts of our water resources) experience little-to-no governmental push-back or obvious accountability. Were it not for the many likeminded residents like myself opposing the Rough Hat Nye solar project for instance, they would be well on their way to constructing this potentially hazardous solar field monstrosity. The immense water quantity used for that project would solely benefit a private out of state company and Californians. Much like gun regulation and legislation, excessive water restrictions and encumbrances seemingly victimize law-abiding average citizens. On face value, it is simply not fair. Upon closer inspection, it is equally unfair. The fact that new domestic well applicants (where no explicit earlier water rights exist) need to purchase and relinquish separate 2 acre feet/year water rights is burdensome, short-sighted, and biased. Negative effects of this 1293A order can now be felt in areas such as rural residential real estate affordability and residential rental availability. Combining this with the out of control Biden-fueled inflation, supply chain issues, and rising fuel costs damages Nevada families. If you want to elect someone who will truly advocate for Nevadans' water rights, please support my campaign. |
AuthorMatt Sadler is the owner of A Hope Bail Bonds and is running for public office. He is a respected family man, church member, and business owner. Archives
February 2022
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