CHAPTER 14. WATER SHORTAGE TASK FORCE
IC 14-25-14
Chapter 14. Water Shortage Task Force
IC 14-25-14-1
"Task force"
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "task force" refers to the watershortage task force established by section 2 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.
IC 14-25-14-2
Task force established; purposes; reports
Sec. 2. (a) The water shortage task force is established for thefollowing purposes:
(1) To implement the 1994 water shortage plan when necessary.
(2) With the involvement of affected parties, to update, expand,and revise the 1994 water shortage plan to include a low flowand drought priority use schedule.
(3) To accomplish the following:
(A) Establish procedures to monitor, assess, and inform thepublic about the status of surface and ground water shortagesfor all uses in all watersheds, especially shortages due todrought.
(B) Recommend a state policy on desired baseline flowmaintenance for in-stream uses.
(C) Recommend a state policy for promoting waterconservation.
(D) Prepare a biennial report on the status of current surfaceand ground water withdrawals in all Indiana watersheds that:
(i) distinguishes between consumptive andnonconsumptive withdrawals; and
(ii) notes areas of current or likely water shortagechallenges based on current usage trends and currentknowledge of hydrology.
(E) Collect information concerning illustrative past andcurrent surface water and ground water allocation conflictsin the state and how conflicts have been resolved.
(4) To encourage units of local government to:
(A) pass ordinances that:
(i) promote water conservation; and
(ii) establish priorities of water usage during droughts,including suggested model ordinances for counties andmunicipalities; and
(B) publicize the need for local communities to be preparedfor droughts.
(5) To prepare an annual report on progress in implementing thetasks listed in subdivisions (3) and (4).
(b) The task force shall provide the reports required undersubsection (a) to:
(1) the water resources study committee established byIC 2-5-25-1; and (2) the legislative council, in an electronic format underIC 5-14-6.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.
IC 14-25-14-3
Membership
Sec. 3. (a) The task force consists of ten (10) individuals, notmore than five (5) of whom may be members of the same politicalparty, representing the following interests, appointed by the directorfor four (4) year terms:
(1) Key water withdrawal users, including the following:
(A) Public water supply utilities.
(B) Agriculture.
(C) Steam electric generating utility companies.
(D) Industrial users.
(2) Academic experts in aquatic habitat and hydrology.
(3) Municipalities.
(4) Key stakeholders, including the following:
(A) Environmentalists.
(B) Consumer advocates.
(C) Economic development advocates.
(D) The public.
(b) The director shall serve on and is chairperson of the task force.The department shall provide staff support for the task force.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.
IC 14-25-14-4
Agency representatives
Sec. 4. (a) Each of the following state agencies shall designate arepresentative to advise the task force:
(1) The department.
(2) The department of environmental management.
(3) The department of homeland security.
(4) The Indiana state department of agriculture.
(5) The state department of health.
(b) In addition to the representatives set forth in subsection (a),the director may invite representatives of other state and federalagencies as appropriate to advise the task force.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.120-2008,SEC.10.
IC 14-25-14-5
Majority vote required for action
Sec. 5. The affirmative votes of a majority of the voting membersof the task force are required for the task force to take action on ameasure.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.
IC 14-25-14-6
Initial meeting; activities; time frame Sec. 6. At its first meeting, the task force shall establish:
(1) a list of its activities; and
(2) the time frame under which it will implement the tasks listedin section 2(a)(3) and 2(a)(4) of this chapter.
As added by P.L.112-2006, SEC.2.