Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
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 Additionally, some federal lands will be withdrawn from disposal to help protect the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, which hold cultural significance for the Tribe.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.
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.
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.