Bill · H.R. 9512· House(119-HR-9512)
Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/29/2026
- Last activity
- 6/29/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- James Gallagher
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill is known as the Doug LaMalfa Sacramento River Basin Water Security and Reliability Act of 2026. It extends the feasibility deadline for the water storage program under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) to January 1, 2041. Additionally, it authorizes federal contributions to the operation, maintenance, and replacement costs of certain public benefits associated with State-led water storage projects. The legislation also authorizes $500,000,000 for fiscal years 2028 through 2037 for environmental restoration and recovery actions within the Sacramento River Basin. Furthermore, the bill establishes the Sacramento River Basin Integrated Water Management Federal Leadership Committee to coordinate interagency efforts on conservation projects. Finally, the legislation permits eligible transferors to retain and use revenue from temporary water transfers for drought resilience, maintenance, and dam safety investments.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this invest in rural communities?+7
The legislation supports rural water management, storage projects, dam safety investments, and drought resilience for agricultural and regional water users.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill authorizes $500 million for habitat restoration, endangered species recovery, and environmental improvements in the Sacramento River Basin.
Would farmers be better off under this?+6
The bill provides significant water security, drought resilience funding, and revenue retention provisions for temporary water transfers that benefit agricultural water users.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
The bill authorizes new federal spending and appropriations for water infrastructure and ecosystem recovery programs.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
The legislation authorizes substantial federal spending and appropriations, including $500 million for environmental restoration and nonreimbursable contributions to project maintenance.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 4 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to contribute up to 50 percent of the total annual operation, maintenance, and replacement costs directly associated with public benefits of State-led water storage projects. This could benefit the public by improving ecosystems, fish and wildlife habitats, water quality, and flood control without placing the entire financial burden on local entities.
-
Section 5 authorizes $500,000,000 for fiscal years 2028 through 2037 for actions that benefit endangered species, crucial habitats, and overall recovery in the Sacramento River Basin. This funding supports gravel and rearing area additions, fish passage improvements, habitat restoration, and modernizing fish hatcheries to protect species like Chinook salmon and steelhead trout.
-
Section 6 establishes the Sacramento River Basin Integrated Water Management Federal Leadership Committee to help federal agencies and eligible entities advance covered projects. This committee works to resolve regulatory and procedural obstacles, align funding streams, and support water-supply reliability and ecosystem resilience.
-
Section 7 allows transferors to retain revenue from eligible temporary water transfers rather than depositing those funds into the standard reclamation fund. Water rights holders can use these retained funds for drought resilience investments, extraordinary maintenance activities, or dam safety investments, which helps local communities better manage their water infrastructure.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Section 4 limits the federal contribution to operation and maintenance costs to a maximum of 50 percent of the total annual costs for public benefits. This means State or local entities must still cover at least 50 percent of these costs, which could create a financial strain on local governments or taxpayers.
-
Section 7 requires that any funds placed in a transferor's reserve account that are not used for drought resilience, maintenance, or dam safety investments within 10 years must be transferred to the reclamation fund. This creates a strict deadline and potential financial penalty for entities that are unable to complete their planned investments within the decade timeframe.
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 Rural Development+7Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+4Improves Public Land Management+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+6Good For Rural Residents+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increase States Rights+3Increases Federal Power+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending-3Reduces National Debt-2
- 6/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House