Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5483

Introduced

9/14/23

Refer

9/14/23

Caption

Securing Access for the central Valley and Enhancing (SAVE) Water Resources Act

Impact

The bill proposes a framework for federal investment and policy changes that promote the sustainable management of water resources. Specifically, it seeks to authorize approximately $750 million annually into the Water Infrastructure Fund from fiscal years 2032 to 2062. This fund is intended to support projects that not only ensure reliable water supply but also improve ecosystem management and promote environmental sustainability. This investment will transform existing approaches to water management in California, addressing both supply and quality issues while facilitating groundwater recharge in critically overdrafted basins.

Summary

House Bill 5483, titled the ‘Securing Access for the Central Valley and Enhancing (SAVE) Water Resources Act,’ aims to improve water supply reliability and water management practices, particularly for rural communities in California. The bill seeks to establish the ‘Water Infrastructure and Drought Solutions Fund,’ which will allocate substantial federal funding for projects including new surface and groundwater storage, reclamation programs, and enhanced water recycling initiatives. The primary focus is on providing tangible resources to combat water scarcity, especially in light of increasing drought conditions exacerbated by climate change.

Contention

While this bill is aimed at improving water resources, there have been notable points of contention. Critics argue that increased federal involvement might overshadow state-led initiatives and undermine local control over water management practices. Furthermore, stakeholders have raised concerns about balancing infrastructure development with ecological preservation and the impact of large projects on local communities. The competitive grant programs and pilot programs outlined in the bill may also draw scrutiny regarding their effectiveness and the equitable distribution of funds amongst diverse rural communities.

Latest HB5483 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.