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Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025
3/10/2025, 12:23 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1322
The bill seeks to approve a settlement agreement between the Pueblos and the federal government, which would establish the Pueblos' water rights in these stream systems. This settlement would provide the Pueblos with a reliable and sustainable water supply for their communities, agricultural needs, and cultural practices.
In addition to resolving water rights claims, the bill also includes provisions for the implementation and enforcement of the settlement agreement, as well as mechanisms for monitoring and adjusting water allocations as needed. The bill also addresses the protection of water quality and the preservation of natural resources in the affected stream systems. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1322 aims to promote cooperation and collaboration between the Pueblos and the federal government in managing water resources in New Mexico, while also respecting the cultural and historical significance of water to the Pueblo communities.
Congressional Summary of HR 1322
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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 1322
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1322
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
3Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
3Democrat Cosponsors
3Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1322
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1322
Comments
Alayah Murphy
1 year ago
I'm so pumped for this bill, can't wait to see how it affects us!
Francis Hinton
1 year ago
I'm not sure about this bill. It seems like it could have a big impact on water rights for the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia in New Mexico. I wonder how it will affect the local communities and the environment. It's important to consider all perspectives before making a decision. Did you know that this bill has been in the works for several years?
