Revises provisions relating to water. (BDR 48-212)

AB 109 revises Nevada's water laws to require geothermal developers to obtain water appropriation permits from the State Engineer for most water uses, replacing previous exemptions. It clarifies that underground waters used for geothermal development belong to the public (not private property owners) and must follow standard water rights procedures. The bill adds new requirements: geothermal drillers must get water permits before operating, and the State Engineer must review applications for mineral exploration wells to ensure they don’t harm existing water rights. This directly affects geothermal companies, mineral explorers, and water management agencies by integrating geothermal water use into existing state water appropriation rules.