0
Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
3/13/2025, 3:38 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1444
The Zuni Indian Tribe has long-standing water rights claims in the Zuni River Stream System, which have been a source of contention and legal disputes. This bill proposes a settlement agreement that would provide the tribe with a secure and reliable water supply, while also ensuring the protection and preservation of the Zuni Salt Lake, which holds cultural and spiritual significance for the tribe.
In addition to resolving the water rights claims and protecting the Zuni Salt Lake, the bill includes provisions for the implementation and enforcement of the settlement agreement, as well as mechanisms for monitoring and managing water resources in the region. It also establishes a process for the tribe to access federal funding and technical assistance to support water infrastructure projects and other related initiatives. Overall, the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act aims to promote cooperation and collaboration between the tribe, the state of New Mexico, and the federal government in addressing water rights issues and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the region.
Congressional Summary of HR 1444
Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Zuni and establishes and provides funding for a related settlement trust fund. It also requires federal actions related to the Zuni Salt Lake in New Mexico.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Zuni, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Zuni River Stream System in New Mexico.
The bill establishes and provides funding for the Zuni Tribe Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill.
Additionally, the bill (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.
The bill also withdraws certain federal land in New Mexico from mineral development. The bill reserves this federal land for the following three purposes: (1) the protection of the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, (2) the protection of the quality and quantity of the Zuni Salt Lake's water supply, and (3) the protection of any cultural resources associated with the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary. The Bureau of Land Management must manage this land.
The Department of the Interior must take certain land surrounding the Zuni Salt Lake into trust for the benefit of Zuni.
