OAR 690-410-0040: Interstate Cooperation

(1) Policy — The state will seek to cooperate with other states in planning, developing, managing, and resolving conflicts involving surface or groundwater resources. Interstate cooperation shall be actively pursued to benefit the public interest, welfare, health, economy and safety of Oregon’s citizens. (2) Principles — Programs to achieve the policy in section (1) of this rule shall be guided by the following principles: (a) Existing laws, agreements, water rights, individual state interests and resource conditions shall guide and limit interstate cooperation in order to protect the public interest; (b) Cooperation is preferred, but not required, over unilateral action, litigation, arbitration, or adjudication; (c) The meaning, intent and purpose of interstate cooperation as embodied in this policy also applies to federally recognized Indian Tribes, and their governments, located wholly or partially within this state.