H.R.716 - Fill the Lake Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 716, the "Fill the Lake Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to maintain specific water levels in Flathead Lake, Montana, between June 15 and September 15 each year. This involves ensuring a minimum lake level of 2892' MSL using water from Hungry Horse Reservoir and a maximum level of 2893' MSL by releasing excess water downstream.
The bill aims to regulate the pool level of Flathead Lake to benefit recreational activities and potentially the local ecosystem during the specified months.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be consistent water levels in Flathead Lake during the summer months.
This could lead to improved recreational opportunities, such as boating and fishing, and potentially stabilize the local ecosystem dependent on the lake's water level.
The Secretary of the Interior would be mandated to actively manage the water levels using the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Recreational Opportunities: Consistent lake levels would improve boating, fishing, and other water-based activities.
- Ecosystem Stability: Maintaining specific water levels could benefit the aquatic ecosystem and surrounding habitats.
- Economic Boost: Increased tourism due to reliable lake conditions could stimulate the local economy.
- Predictable Water Resource Management: Provides clear guidelines for the Secretary of the Interior regarding water level management.
- Community Benefit: Ensures the lake is maintained at levels beneficial to the local community during peak season.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Impact on Hungry Horse Reservoir: Releasing water from the reservoir to maintain Flathead Lake levels could affect its own water levels and uses.
- Downstream Impacts: Releasing excess water downstream could have unintended consequences for downstream ecosystems and water users.
- Limited Scope: The bill only addresses water levels during a specific period, potentially neglecting other times of the year.
- Administrative Burden: The Secretary of the Interior would need to actively manage water levels, potentially requiring additional resources.
- Lack of Flexibility: The fixed water level targets may not be optimal in all environmental conditions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate navigable waters and manage federal lands, as implied by Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. Maintaining water levels in Flathead Lake could be seen as regulating a navigable waterway to facilitate commerce and recreation.
Furthermore, the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) allows Congress to enact laws necessary for executing its enumerated powers, which could include managing water resources to support interstate commerce and the general welfare.
However, the bill's impact on state water rights and potential conflicts with other federal laws would need to be carefully considered to ensure full constitutional compliance.
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).