Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1322

Introduced
2/13/25  

Caption

Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025

Impact

This bill is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing water allocation and usage. By formalizing the water rights for the involved Pueblos, HB1322 will put into place a legal framework that not only acknowledges the historical entitlements of these communities but also reconciles them with existing state and federal regulations. Provisions within the bill outline the creation of settlement accounts, stipulating significant monetary investments for works to enhance water infrastructure and irrigation systems within the Pueblos, thus contributing to water security and environmental compliance.

Summary

House Bill 1322, titled the 'Rio San Jose and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025', aims to resolve longstanding water rights claims by the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia in New Mexico. This legislation seeks to approve a comprehensive settlement agreement regarding the allocation and management of water resources in the Rio San Jose and Rio Jemez stream systems, fostering sustainable water management for the Pueblos while addressing their historical grievances over water rights. The act proposes the establishment of trust funds to support the infrastructure and operational needs associated with these water rights, thus ensuring necessary financial support for their implementation.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise regarding the balance between tribal water rights and existing state water laws. Critics may focus on the implications this settlement could have on non-Pueblo water rights holders in the region, particularly concerning potential alterations to water availability and management strategies. Furthermore, environmental advocates might emphasize the need for stringent oversight to ensure that these water rights settlements do not negatively impact surrounding ecosystems or the quality of water in the affected streams.

Congress_id

119-HR-1322

Introduced_date

2025-02-13

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

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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