Whereas, the Legislature declares its intent that the State plan, regulate and control the prudent use of the waters of the State under the Laws of Maine to protect the public health, safety and welfare; and

Whereas, the Legislature finds that the use of water resources for the State for agricultural purposes is of vital importance to the public health, safety, food security and economic well-being of the State; and

Whereas, the use of water resources during drought conditions may interfere with public and private rights and may cause severe economic damage to a strong and efficient agriculture; and

Whereas, the wise use of water resources, the protection of stream flows and the economic well-being of the State will also be served by a program providing incentives to ensure that certain agricultural lands are not injured by drought; and

Whereas, the health, safety and food security of the people of the State require adequate and affordable local agricultural products and services from Maine farmers; and

Whereas, the Legislature finds the protection of the rivers, streams and brooks necessary for a healthy riverine ecosystem and a healthy population of aquatic life; and

Whereas, the wise use of water, the protection of stream flow and the economic well-being of the State will be furthered by proper water allocation in periods of drought. A program providing incentives to ensure that certain irrigated lands are temporarily not irrigated during severe droughts will promote the wise use of water resources, the protection of stream flows and the economic well-being of the State; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-G, sub-§3-D is enacted to read: