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To provide for the settlement of the water rights claims of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and for other purposes.
3/12/2025, 8:07 AM
Summary of Bill HR 2025
The bill includes provisions for the allocation of water rights among the three tribes, as well as mechanisms for managing and protecting water resources in the area. It also establishes a process for resolving any future disputes that may arise regarding water rights.
In addition to addressing water rights issues, the bill also includes provisions for the implementation of the Navajo-Hopi Little Colorado River Water Rights Settlement Agreement, which was signed in 2012. This agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of the tribes with regards to water resources in the region. Overall, Bill 119 hr 2025 seeks to promote cooperation and collaboration among the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe in managing and protecting water resources in the region. By providing a clear framework for resolving water rights disputes, the bill aims to ensure a sustainable and equitable allocation of water resources for all parties involved.
Congressional Summary of HR 2025
Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in Arizona of the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. It also provides funding for a water pipeline and three settlement trust funds.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by the tribes, the United States, Arizona, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in Arizona (including with respect to the Little Colorado River and the Colorado River).
Additionally, the bill outlines the water rights of the tribes. For example, the bill allocates and assigns Colorado River water from Arizona's share to the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe.
The bill establishes and provides funding for an implementation fund account for the Bureau of Reclamation to plan, design, and construct a pipeline to deliver water to the tribes.
Further, the bill establishes and provides funding for the Navajo Nation Water Settlement Trust Fund, the Hopi Tribe Water Settlement Trust Fund, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Water Settlement Trust Fund.
The bill also establishes a reservation consisting of approximately 5,400 acres of land in Arizona and Utah for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe by ratifying and confirming the treaty entered into by the Navajo Nation and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
The bill outlines waivers, releases, and retention of claims by the tribes and the United States under the settlement agreement.
