Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025
3/17/2025, 6:52 PMSummary of Bill S 562
Bill 119 s 562, also known as the "Settlement of Water Rights Claims of New Mexico Pueblos Act," aims to approve the settlement of water rights claims for four Pueblos in New Mexico. The Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna have claims in the Rio San Jose Stream System, while the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia have claims in the Rio Jemez Stream System.The bill seeks to resolve long-standing disputes over water rights between these Pueblos and the state of New Mexico. By approving the settlement, the bill aims to provide certainty and clarity regarding water rights for these communities, allowing them to better manage and utilize their water resources.
In addition to approving the settlement of water rights claims, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to water management and conservation in the state of New Mexico. These provisions are aimed at promoting sustainable water use and protecting the rights of all stakeholders involved. Overall, Bill 119 s 562 represents an important step towards resolving water rights disputes and promoting responsible water management in New Mexico. By approving the settlement of water rights claims for the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia, the bill aims to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of water resources for all parties involved.
Congressional Summary of S 562
Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of (1) the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, and (2) the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia. It also establishes and provides funding for settlement trust funds.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Pueblo of Acoma, the Pueblo of Laguna, the United States, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio San José Stream System in New Mexico.
With respect to the water settlement for the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna, the bill establishes and provides funding for the Pueblo of Acoma Settlement Trust Fund, the Pueblo of Laguna Settlement Trust Fund, and the Acomita Reservoir Works Trust Fund.
Additionally, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the Pueblo of Jemez, the Pueblo of Zia, the United States, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Jemez River Stream System in New Mexico.
With respect to the water settlement for the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia, the bill establishes and provides funding for the Pueblo of Jemez Settlement Trust Fund and the Pueblo of Zia Settlement Trust Fund.
For both of these agreements, the bill (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblos; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblos and the United States.
