H.R.1323 - Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1323, the Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025, aims to settle water rights claims of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico's Rio Chama Stream System. The bill ratifies an agreement between the Pueblo, the State of New Mexico, and other parties. It also establishes a trust fund for the Pueblo's water rights and authorizes funding for the agreement's implementation and restoration of the Bosque on Pueblo land.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to a defined allocation of water rights for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, potentially resolving long-standing disputes. It will also provide funding for water infrastructure improvements and environmental restoration projects. This could improve water management and ecosystem health in the Rio Chama Stream System.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a fair and equitable settlement of water rights claims for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo.
- Restores the Bosque on Pueblo Land, enhancing environmental quality.
- Authorizes funding for water infrastructure improvements, benefiting both the Pueblo and surrounding communities.
- Clarifies water rights, reducing potential for future litigation and disputes.
- Supports the Pueblo's water rights management and administrative capacity.
Potential Disadvantages
- Requires a significant financial commitment from the federal government ($745 million).
- Potential for cost overruns due to fluctuations in construction costs.
- Could create tension with other water users in the Rio Chama Stream System if not implemented carefully.
- Environmental compliance requirements may delay project implementation.
- The act's expiration clause (July 1, 2038) could create uncertainty if the settlement is not fully implemented by then.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This bill aligns with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes, as recognized in numerous Supreme Court cases. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with Indian tribes (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The settlement of water rights claims also falls under Congress's authority to manage federal lands and resources (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).