WOW Act

Hozzl · 2022-10-28T01:46:11Z

Explore the details of House Bill 5217 WOW Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Water Resources Development. Stay informed on legislative developments.

10/28/2022, 1:46 AM

Congressional Summary of HR 5217

Water Optimization for the West Act or the WOW Act

This bill addresses issues related to water projects in the Western States. Among other things, the bill

makes the Bureau of Reclamation the lead agency for coordinating permitting activities required for the construction of certain new surface-water storage projects,
directs the bureau to convey certain facilities and easements to the Kennewick Irrigation District in Washington State,
redirects Department of Transportation funds previously intended for high-speed rail development in California to the Department of the Interior for certain water-related programs,
gives the Fish and Wildlife Service the sole authority to protect endangered or threatened fish species that are anadromous species or catadromous species,
authorizes the use of certain bureau facilities to convey water to recharge certain aquifers, and
prohibits Interior or the Department of Agriculture from requiring a water user to apply for or acquire a water right in order to obtain certain permits or licenses.

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Current Status of Bill HR 5217

Bill HR 5217 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since November 21, 2019. Bill HR 5217 was introduced during Congress 116 and was introduced to the House on November 21, 2019. Bill HR 5217's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry. as of December 11, 2019

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 5217

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Republican Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 5217

Primary Policy Focus

Water Resources Development

Potential Impact Areas

Administrative law and regulatory proceduresAdvisory bodiesCaliforniaCivil actions and liabilityCongressional oversightDams and canalsDepartment of AgricultureDepartment of CommerceDepartment of the InteriorDisaster relief and insuranceEndangered and threatened speciesEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchEnvironmental regulatory proceduresExecutive agency funding and structureFarmlandFederal-Indian relationsFishesGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHazardous wastes and toxic substancesHydrology and hydrographyIndian lands and resources rightsIntergovernmental relationsJudicial review and appealsLakes and riversLand transfersLand use and conservationLicensing and registrationsMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesParks, recreation areas, trailsPerformance measurementPest managementPipelinesPublic contracts and procurementRailroadsRural conditions and developmentState and local government operationsTransportation programs fundingUser charges and feesUtahWashington StateWater qualityWater resources fundingWater storageWater use and supplyWetlandsWildlife conservation and habitat protection

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 5217

WOW ActTo provide for western water security, reliability, modernization, and abundance, and for other purposes.WOW ActWater Optimization for the West Act

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