Bill · H.R. 8259· House(119-HR-8259)
Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/14/2026
- Last activity
- 4/29/2026 — Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Sponsored by
- Cliff Bentz
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 aims to ensure meaningful consultation and cooperation between Federal and local entities regarding Federal water projects in Reclamation States. It focuses on increasing the involvement of contractors during the biological assessment and opinion processes required by the Endangered Species Act. The bill mandates that action agencies and the Secretary provide specific information and engagement opportunities to covered entities. This includes transparency regarding water delivery, legal authority, and scientific data. It also requires agencies to communicate schedules and provide opportunities for review and comment on biological opinions.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would farmers be better off under this?+5
The bill improves water security transparency for irrigation districts and water users associations vital to agriculture.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill mandates specific information sharing and engagement opportunities regarding water delivery and biological opinions.
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill provides formal mechanisms for water contractors to protect their economic interests during federal consultations.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-2
The bill increases the procedural burden on agencies conducting biological assessments and opinions required for species protection.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency and Communication: Covered entities will have routine opportunities to discuss and submit information during the development of biological assessments (Section 2(a)(1)). This allows for more direct input into the process.
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Better Information on Water Delivery: If an agency considers actions that would not result in full water delivery, they must inform and engage the contractor regarding the legal authority and scientific data used (Section 2(a)(2)). This helps contractors understand why their water supply might be impacted.
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Economic and Water Supply Protection: The bill requires agencies to explain why other actions with fewer adverse water supply and economic impacts were not used (Section 2(a)(2) and Section 2(a)(7)). This aims to address potential economic harms more directly.
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Improved Review Processes: Contractors can receive copies of draft biological opinions and provide comments that must be afforded due consideration (Section 2(a)(5)). This provides a mechanism for local entities to voice concerns before a final decision is made.
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Clearer Understanding of Mitigation Measures: The bill requires that agencies inform and engage contractors regarding how reasonable and prudent measures relate to avoiding or minimizing the "take" of species (Section 2(a)(8)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated within the provided text.
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+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Rural Residents+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Increase States Rights+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4Improves Environmental Protections-2
- 4/29/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 4/22/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 4/14/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Russ FulcherRepublican · Idaho