Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, held an interim study Tuesday at the state Capitol to discuss strategies to protect pristine waterways in southeast Oklahoma and critical water supplies that drive economic prosperity across the state.
His interim study before the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee examined the history and impact of the state’s Scenic Rivers Act. Presenters also recommended expanding the act to include additional streams, such as the Kiamichi and Glover rivers, to protect the waterways from hydropower plants, dams and other disruptive developments that could deplete the state’s valuable water resources.
“Southeast Oklahoma is blessed with an abundance of pristine, free-flowing rivers that fuel local economies and support tourism and recreation,” Senator Bullard said. “We have a responsibility to protect these scenic waterways, but if we don’t take action, others will decide their future for us. I look forward to continuing to work with water experts and community leaders to safeguard Oklahoma’s natural resources and preserve these rivers for generations to come.”
