Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB564

Introduced
2/13/25  
Refer
2/13/25  

Caption

Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

Impact

The legislation will significantly strengthen the Zuni Tribe's claims to water resources and establish conditions under which these rights can be used, transferred, or leased. It creates a trust fund that will manage the Tribe's water rights settlement and facilitate their financial management of water-related infrastructure projects. Additionally, some federal lands will be withdrawn from disposal to help protect the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, which hold cultural significance for the Tribe. This change is intended to enhance the Tribe's environmental and resource management capacity while ensuring sustainable use of their water rights.

Summary

SB564, titled the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025, aims to finalize the settlement of water rights for the Zuni Tribe within the Zuni River Stream System in New Mexico. This bill seeks to authorize and ratify an agreement between the Tribe, the State, and other relevant parties, ensuring the Tribe's access to water rights deemed essential for their cultural and resource management needs. Furthermore, the Act empowers the Secretary to take specific federal lands into trust for the Tribe, safeguarding these areas from various forms of mining or development, which could potentially threaten their environmental or cultural integrity.

Contention

There are aspects of SB564 that could lead to contention, particularly regarding the management of the newly designated trust lands and water rights. Although the bill intends to protect the Zuni Tribe's resources, there may be opposition from various stakeholders concerned about the implications for land use and access rights. The bill does not appear to diminish the rights of other tribes or communities in surrounding areas, but the details surrounding the implementation and management of the water rights and trust fund will be closely scrutinized. Ensuring that the bill meets the intended goals without overstepping jurisdictional boundaries or resource limitations will be critical to its success.

Congress_id

119-S-564

Introduced_date

2025-02-13

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB1444

Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

Similar Bills

US HB1322

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US SB562

Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of (1) the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, and (2) the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia. It also establishes and provides funding for settlement trust funds.Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Pueblo of Acoma, the Pueblo of Laguna, the United States, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio San José Stream System in New Mexico.With respect to the water settlement for the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, the bill establishes and provides funding for the Pueblo of Acoma Settlement Trust Fund, the Pueblo of Laguna Settlement Trust Fund, and the Acomita Reservoir Works Trust Fund.Additionally, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Pueblo of Jemez, the Pueblo of Zia, the United States, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Jemez River Stream System in New Mexico.With respect to the water settlement for the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia, the bill establishes and provides funding for the Pueblo of Jemez Settlement Trust Fund and the Pueblo of Zia Settlement Trust Fund.For both of these agreements, the bill (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblos; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblos and the United States.

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