Bill · H.R. 716· House(119-HR-716)
Fill the Lake Act
- Introduced
- 1/23/2025
- Last activity
- 1/23/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Ryan Zinke
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Fill the Lake Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to regulate the water levels of Flathead Lake in Montana. It establishes specific requirements for the lake's water levels during a specific time of year. Specifically, between June 15 and September 15, the Secretary must ensure the lake maintains a minimum and maximum level. To reach the minimum level, water must be provided from the Hungry Horse Reservoir. To maintain the maximum level, excess water must be released downstream.
Yes
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+5
The bill mandates specific water level regulations to stabilize the ecosystem of Flathead Lake.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
The regulation of water levels provides predictability for the natural resources utilized by rural communities near Flathead Lake.
Does this invest in rural communities?+3
By regulating water levels, the bill supports the stability of regional water resources important to rural Montana.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Maintains Minimum Water Levels: The Secretary of the Interior is required to ensure a minimum lake level of 2892' MSL by providing water from the Hungry Horse Reservoir (Section 2). This ensures the lake does not drop below a specific level during the specified months.
-
Prevents Excessive Water Levels: The bill requires a maximum lake level of 2893' MSL by releasing excess water downstream (Section 2). This provision manages the lake level to ensure it does not exceed a certain height.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are mentioned in the text: The provided text does not list any specific negative consequences or burdens resulting from the implementation of this bill.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5Improves Rural Development+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+4
- 1/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House