Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4290

Introduced
6/22/23  
Refer
6/22/23  

Caption

Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act

Impact

The bill not only emphasizes the importance of acequias in supporting local agriculture and the ecosystem but also seeks to address the challenges these systems face due to drought and changing climatic conditions. This includes provisions for financial assistance under the noninsured crop disaster assistance program for those affected by drought, which is essential for sustaining agricultural production in the region. By recognizing acequias as political subdivisions of the state, the bill seeks to formalize and protect their role in local governance and water management.

Summary

House Bill 4290, titled the 'Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act', aims to amend the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. Specifically, it ensures that agricultural producers who rely on traditional acequia water delivery systems have appropriate access to drought protections. Acequias, or community ditches, are vital to the economy and culture of New Mexico, representing centuries-old systems of water governance and collective management.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB 4290 is its provisions related to permitting. The bill states that no special use permits are necessary for routine maintenance and minor improvements to acequias on federal land. This could streamline operations for community users, allowing for more effective management of these critical water systems without bureaucratic delays. However, concerns may arise around the potential oversight of community-managed water systems, particularly regarding the balance between maintaining traditional practices and adhering to federal regulations.

Companion Bills

US SB2077

Related Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act

Previously Filed As

US SB2077

Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act

US SB228

Acequia Communities Empowered by Qualifying Upgrades for Infrastructure Act

US HB3715

Affordability and Fairness for Mountain Communities Act of 2023

US HB5145

WISE Act of 2023 Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment Act of 2023

US HB3903

Keeping SNAP in our Communities Act of 2023

US HB3490

Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2023

US HB837

Restoring Communities Left Behind Act

US HB4283

Gun Violence Prevention and Safe Communities Act of 2023

US HB2441

Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2023

US HB3896

Airport Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023

Similar Bills

CA AB2106

Institutional purchasers: sale of California produce.

MS HB1055

Regulatory Sandbox Agricultural Innovation Pilot Program; establish.

CA SB1308

Public educational institutions: purchase of nondomestic agricultural food products.

CA AB778

Institutional purchasers: purchase of California-grown agricultural food products.

CA AB1025

Institutional purchasers: purchase of domestic agricultural food products.

CA AB822

Institutional purchasers: sale of California produce.

HI HB1584

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2363

Relating To Agriculture.