Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-03-17T18:52:27Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 562 Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Native Americans. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/17/2025, 6:52 PM

Summary 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.

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Current Status of Bill S 562

Bill S 562 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 13, 2025. Bill S 562 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 13, 2025. Bill S 562'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 562

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 562

Primary Policy Focus

Native Americans

Potential Impact Areas

- Federal-Indian relations

- Government trust funds

- Indian claims

- Indian lands and resources rights

- New Mexico

- Water quality

- Water use and supply

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 562

A bill to approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna in the Rio San Jose Stream System and the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia in the Rio Jemez Stream System in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes.