Bill · H.R. 1323· House(119-HR-1323)
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 2/13/2025
- Last activity
- 2/13/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Teresa Leger Fernandez
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill aims to settle water rights claims for the Ohkay Owingeh in the Rio Chama Stream System. It seeks to ratify an agreement between the Pueblo, the State of New Mexico, and other parties. The legislation establishes a Settlement Trust Fund to facilitate water rights implementation and bosque restoration. It also provides for the management, distribution, and leasing of Pueblo Water Rights. Funding is allocated through both federal and state contributions to achieve these goals.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill secures long-term water rights and provides significant funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill funds the restoration and maintenance of the Rio Chama bosque and protects endangered species habitats.
Does this invest in rural communities?+5
The bill funds water production, treatment, and delivery infrastructure essential for the Pueblo community.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Water Rights Security: The bill ensures that Pueblo Water Rights will not be lost through non-use, forfeiture, or abandonment (Section 5(b)).
-
Water Rights Flexibility: The Ohkay Owingeh are authorized to allocate, distribute, and lease their water rights on Pueblo Land or, with Secretary approval, off Pueblo Land (Section 5(d)).
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Infrastructure and Environmental Support: The Settlement Trust Fund can be used for essential purposes including water production, treatment, and delivery infrastructure, as well as watershed and endangered species habitat protection (Section 6(g)).
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Economic and Community Development: Funds may be used for water-related Pueblo community welfare and economic development (Section 6(g)).
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Immediate Restoration Capabilities: Up to $100,000,000 of the Trust Fund can be used immediately for surface water and groundwater diversions to maintain and restore the Rio Chama bosque (Section 6(d)).
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State-Funded Local Improvements: The State is required to contribute funds for Signatory Acequias improvements and water system projects for the City of Espanola (Section 7(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Release of Legal Claims: As part of the settlement, Ohkay Owingeh and the United States must waive and release various claims regarding water rights and damages in the Rio Chama Stream System (Section 9(a)).
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Limitation on Water Rights Leasing: Leases for water rights used off Pueblo Land are subject to a maximum term of 99 years (Section 5(d)).
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Responsation for Costs: The Ohkay Owingeh are responsible for all operation, maintenance, and replacement costs of any project constructed using funds from the Trust Fund (Section 6(l)).
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Liability Risks for Restoration Projects: For any bosque restoration or improvement projects, the Pueblo must hold the United States free from damages caused by the construction or operation of those projects (Section 11(e)).
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 Native Americans+8Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Urban Residents+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Rural Development+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 2/14/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/13/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico
Gabe VasquezDemocrat · New Mexico