(1) Notwithstanding any provision of ORS chapters 536 to 543A, after a declaration that a severe, continuing drought exists, the Water Resources Commission may:

(a) Issue without first conducting a hearing under ORS § 537.170, a temporary permit for an emergency use of water;

(b) Allow a temporary change in use, place of use or point of diversion of water without complying with the notice and waiting requirements under ORS § 540.520;

(c) Notwithstanding the priority of water rights, grant preference of use to rights for human consumption or stock watering use;

(d) Waive the notice requirements under ORS § 537.753 and the start card required under ORS § 537.762;

(e) Allow a temporary exchange of water without giving notice as required under ORS § 540.535; and

(f) Utilize an expedited notice and waiting requirement established by rule for the substitution of a supplemental ground water right for a primary water right under drought conditions in place of the notice and waiting requirement provided in ORS § 540.524.

(2) The commission by rule may establish procedures for carrying out the provisions of this section and a schedule of fees that must accompany a request under subsection (1) of this section. [1989 c.87 § 3; 1999 c.873 § 20; 2001 c.788 § 1; 2021 c.610 § 5]