Bill · S. 1254· Senate(119-S-1254)
A bill to amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.
- Introduced
- 4/2/2025
- Last activity
- 9/30/2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Sponsored by
- James Risch
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes amendments to the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act. It aims to clarify provisions regarding how water is moved for aquifer recharge purposes. The bill expands how holders can use existing rights-of-way, easements, or permits to transport water for these purposes. It introduces specific notice requirements for holders when they intend to use such authorizations. Additionally, the bill addresses rent exemptions for these uses and waives certain compliance obligations.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+3
The bill explicitly allows Indian Tribes to use existing water rights for aquifer recharge purposes.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+3
The bill specifically allows States and political subdivisions to use existing water rights for aquifer recharge.
Would farmers be better off under this?+2
Water rights and transport flexibility often provide indirect benefits to agricultural sectors.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-5
The bill waives compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?-3
The bill eases certain regulations and oversight regarding the use of existing water infrastructure on public lands.
Does this give the federal government more power?-2
The bill reduces the Secretary's oversight by allowing water transport without additional authorization.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Simplified Water Transport: The bill allows holders to use existing rights-of-way, easements, permits, or other authorizations for aquifer recharge and the transport of water rights without needing additional authorization from the Secretary (Section 1(a)(1)). This could benefit States, political subdivisions, Indian Tribes, or public entities acting through a holder.
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Rent Exemptions: Uses of existing authorizations for aquifer recharge are exempt from paying additional rent to the Bureau of Land Management (Section 1(a)(1)(C)(i)). This could provide financial relief to non-profit entities or government groups.
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Infrastructure Flexibility: The bill provides authority to construct, modify, or expand existing infrastructure covered under specific paragraphs (Section 1(b)(2)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Compliance Waivers: The bill waives the obligation of the holder of a right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization to comply with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Section 1(b)(2)(B)).
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Exclusion of For-Profit Entities from Rent Relief: The exemption from paying additional rent to the Bureau of Land Management does not apply to any for-profit uses of aquifer recharge or any for-profit entities (Section 1(a)(1)(C)(ii)).
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New Administrative Burdens: Holders must submit notice to the Bureau of Land Management at least 30 days before using an existing authorization for aquifer recharge (Section 1(a)(1)(B)(i)). This notice must include specific identifying information, details on the intended use, and a copy of the agreement between the holder and the entity intending to use the authorization (Section 1(a)(1)(B)(ii)).
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 Public Land Management-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+3Good For Farmers+2Good For Rural Residents+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+3Increases Federal Power-2Improves Government Transparency-1
- 9/30/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 4/2/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho