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Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

3/6/2025, 12:03 PM

Summary of Bill S 565

Bill 119 s 565, also known as the "Navajo Nation Water Rights Settlement Act," aims to approve a settlement agreement regarding water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in the Rio San Jose Stream System in New Mexico. The bill seeks to resolve long-standing disputes over water rights in the region and provide the Navajo Nation with access to a reliable and sustainable water supply.

The settlement agreement outlined in the bill includes provisions for the allocation and management of water resources in the Rio San Jose Stream System, as well as the construction of necessary infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of water to the Navajo Nation. Additionally, the bill includes measures to protect the environment and ensure the conservation of water resources in the region.

Overall, the Navajo Nation Water Rights Settlement Act aims to promote cooperation and collaboration between the Navajo Nation and other stakeholders in the region to ensure the equitable and sustainable use of water resources. The bill represents a significant step towards resolving water rights disputes and improving access to water for the Navajo Nation in New Mexico.

Congressional Summary of S 565

Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the Navajo Nation. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund.

Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Navajo Nation, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio San José Stream System in New Mexico.

The bill establishes and provides funding for the Navajo Nation Rio San José Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill.

Additionally, the bill (1) specifies the water rights of the tribe; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the tribe and the United States.

The bill also allows for additional service areas for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

Current Status of Bill S 565

Bill S 565 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 13, 2025. Bill S 565 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 13, 2025.  Bill S 565's most recent activity was Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. as of March 5, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 565

Total Number of Sponsors
3
Democrat Sponsors
3
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 565

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 565

A bill to approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in the Rio San Jose Stream System in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes.
A bill to approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in the Rio San Jose Stream System in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes.

Comments

Thalia Garrison profile image

Thalia Garrison

449

9 months ago

This bill bad for us. Did you know it affects water rights for the Navajo Nation?