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Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
3/6/2025, 12:03 PM
Summary of Bill S 564
The settlement outlined in the bill would provide the Zuni Indian Tribe with a secure and reliable water supply for their community and agricultural needs. It also aims to ensure the sustainable management of water resources in the Zuni River Stream System, benefiting both the tribe and surrounding communities.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the protection and preservation of the Zuni Salt Lake, a culturally significant site for the Zuni Indian Tribe. The lake holds spiritual and ceremonial importance for the tribe, and the bill seeks to safeguard its ecological integrity and cultural significance. Overall, Bill 119 s 564 is a comprehensive legislative effort to address longstanding water rights issues affecting the Zuni Indian Tribe in New Mexico. By approving this settlement, Congress aims to promote cooperation and collaboration between the tribe and other stakeholders, ensuring the equitable and sustainable management of water resources in the region.
Congressional Summary of S 564
Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Zuni and establishes and provides funding for a related settlement trust fund. It also requires federal actions related to the Zuni Salt Lake in New Mexico.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Zuni, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Zuni River Stream System in New Mexico.
The bill establishes and provides funding for the Zuni Tribe Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill.
Additionally, the bill (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.
The bill also withdraws certain federal land in New Mexico from mineral development. The bill reserves this federal land for the following three purposes: (1) the protection of the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, (2) the protection of the quality and quantity of the Zuni Salt Lake's water supply, and (3) the protection of any cultural resources associated with the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary. The Bureau of Land Management must manage this land.
The Department of the Interior must take certain land surrounding the Zuni Salt Lake into trust for the benefit of Zuni.
