Bill · H.R. 10420· House(119-HR-10420)
Colorado River Basin Water Security and Infrastructure Act
- Introduced
- 9/16/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Andy Biggs
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is all about boosting the water supply in the Colorado River Basin and speeding up the building of related water and energy infrastructure. It sets up a new financial assistance program through the Department of the Interior to help pay for local and regional water augmentation projects. The legislation also fast-tracks the federal review and permitting processes by completely exempting certain covered projects from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Furthermore, it orders the restoration and operation of the Yuma Desalting Plant and promotes seawater desalination programs in Mexico to help meet treaty obligations. Finally, it authorizes massive amounts of federal funding for massive water projects in states like California, Arizona, Nevada, and the Upper Basin states.
Yes· 3 of 23
Would farmers be better off under this?+8
Farmers and agricultural entities heavily reliant on Colorado River water stand to gain immense benefits from augmented water supplies and storage.
Does this invest in rural communities?+7
The legislation provides substantial financial assistance and infrastructure investments to benefit rural agricultural communities and water districts.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
Business owners, particularly in agriculture and development, gain increased water security and streamlined permitting.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-7
Exempting covered water and energy projects from the National Environmental Policy Act removes critical environmental review safeguards.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-6
The bill authorizes massive appropriations totaling $19 billion for water augmentation and infrastructure programs.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-4
Authorizing billions in new federal spending without offsetting revenue increases contributes to fiscal strain.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Financial Support for Local Water Projects: Under Section 201 and Section 204, the Secretary of the Interior is required to establish the Colorado River Basin Water Augmentation Program, which provides $2 in federal money for every $1 of non-federal funds committed to eligible projects. This could make it much easier for states, public utilities, Indian Tribes, and local communities to build reservoirs, pipelines, and water recycling facilities without footing the whole bill themselves.
-
Faster Permitting for Essential Infrastructure: Under Section 104, federal agencies are placed on strict timelines—typically 180 days after receiving a complete application—to issue final decisions on permits for covered water and energy projects. This keeps the bureaucratic red tape moving so that critical water infrastructure can get built quicker to help everyday folks who rely on these resources.
-
Restoration of the Yuma Desalting Plant: Under Section 301, the Secretary must restore the Yuma Desalting Plant to operational status within 180 days and run it at maximum capacity. This will maximize the amount of water produced to satisfy the Mexican Water Treaty while keeping an equivalent amount of water preserved in the Colorado River system for people living in the Basin.
-
Boosting Regional Water Supplies: Under Title IV (specifically sections 401, 402, 403, and 404), the bill authorizes feasibility studies and construction for major federal water infrastructure projects in California, Arizona, Nevada, and the Upper Basin states. This gives communities new tools to capture water that would otherwise be lost, store more supplies, and reduce reliance on strained river systems.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Bypassing Environmental Protection Laws: Under Section 102, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 will not apply to any covered project. This means projects designed to increase water or energy supplies can completely bypass standard environmental reviews, which could remove a critical safeguard for local communities wanting to voice concerns about environmental or ecological harms.
-
Massive Government Spending: Under Section 505, the bill authorizes staggering amounts of taxpayer money to be appropriated, including $5,000,000,000 for the water augmentation program, $1,000,000,000 for the Yuma Desalting Plant, $1,000,000,000 for Mexican desalination, and $12,000,000,000 for federal water infrastructure. This puts a massive financial burden squarely on the shoulders of American taxpayers.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+8Good For Business Owners+5Good For Native Americans+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Union Workers+4Good For Urban Residents+4Good For Children+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3Good For Young Adults+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4Improves International Alliances+4Improves International Trade+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+4Improves Government Transparency+3Increase States Rights+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+7Improves Environmental Protections-7Improves Public Land Management-3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Economic Growth+4Improves Small Business Support+3Reduces Government Spending-6Improves Fiscal Responsibility-4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing-2
- 9/16/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House