(a) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall have all powers necessary to:

1. (1) Enforce the Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Act, Arkansas Code § 15-22-901 et seq.; and
2. (2) Accomplish its purpose of establishing a comprehensive groundwater protection program to conserve groundwater and to protect water quality.

(b) These include the following powers:

1. (1) Promulgation of rules. The commission is authorized to adopt rules for:

   1. (A) Groundwater classification and aquifer use;
   2. (B) Well spacing;
   3. (C) Issuance of groundwater rights within critical groundwater areas; and
   4. (D) Assessment of fees;

2. (2) Delegation of authority. The commission may delegate:

   1. (A) Any and all powers to the Director of the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission or his or her designee or designees; and
   2. (B) Powers to qualified districts within a critical groundwater area; and

3. (3) Implementation and enforcement. To implement and enforce the Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Act, Arkansas Code § 15-22-901 et seq., the commission is authorized to:

   1. (A) Provide technical assistance and establish guidelines for the designated districts;
   2. (B) Resolve disputes between, approve regulations of, and hear appeals from decisions of designated districts;
   3. (C) Enter upon property to:

(i) Conduct studies or investigations; or

1. (ii) Enforce the Arkansas Groundwater Protection and Management Act, Arkansas Code § 15-22-901 et seq.;

   1. (D) Issue orders to implement or enforce any of the provisions of this legislation in times of an emergency;
   2. (E) Issue subpoenas to witnesses to require attendance, testimony, and/or production of documents in any proceeding before the commission;
   3. (F) Administer oaths to witnesses in any hearing, investigation, or proceeding before the commission; and
   4. (G) Provide qualified persons with cost-share assistance from the Arkansas Water Development Fund for up to forty percent (40%) of the cost of installation of approved conservation and development practices.