The House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water convened on March 31, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding water resource management and illegal well drilling in Oregon. The meeting featured discussions among committee members regarding the regulatory framework governing well drillers and the challenges posed by illegal drilling activities.

The session began with Representative McQueen expressing concern over the lack of oversight for well drillers, questioning whether sufficient permits are required for their operations. Co-chair Helm clarified that drillers must be licensed by the Water Resources Department and are required to obtain a bond. However, concerns were raised about the adequacy of checks and balances in place to prevent illegal drilling.

Greg Kapilas contributed to the discussion by highlighting the difficulties in regulating illegal drillers, noting that some operate outside of normal inspection hours, making enforcement challenging. He suggested that the Water Resources Department may need enhanced regulatory powers to effectively combat these illegal activities.

Representative Levy echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that individuals intent on breaking the law will exploit any loopholes in the system. He called for a review of the current regulatory framework to tighten controls on illegal drilling.

Representative Marsh brought attention to a specific issue in Southern Oregon, where illegal wells have been linked to unregulated cannabis operations. She noted that legislation has been enacted to penalize those convicted of illegal operations for also misusing water resources, although this does not directly address the actions of well drillers.

As the meeting progressed, the committee discussed House Bill 2165, which aims to address funding for water resource management through fees, taxes, or the general fund. The conversation highlighted the complexities of funding mechanisms and the potential for combining competing bills to streamline the process.

Co-chair Helm concluded the public hearing on House Bill 2165, signaling a transition to the next agenda item, House Bill 2803, with the Water Resources Department's director and legislative coordinator prepared to provide further insights.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in regulating water resources and the need for legislative action to enhance oversight and enforcement against illegal drilling practices in Oregon. The committee's discussions will likely inform future legislative efforts aimed at strengthening the state's water management framework.