Bills · HR 1323
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1323Federal-Indian relationsWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 13· LAST ACTION FEB 13
READING
27MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because water is a fundamental resource, especially in arid regions like New Mexico. Settling long-standing water rights claims provides certainty and stability for all parties involved, including the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, local communities, and the state. Without a clear agreement, disputes over water can drag on for decades in court, creating uncertainty for development, agriculture, and daily life.
If this bill becomes law, it means a significant legal and political agreement, negotiated over many years, will be officially recognized and funded, bringing an end to potential future conflicts over the Rio Chama's water. It also includes provisions for environmental restoration, specifically for the 'Bosque' on Pueblo land, which is important for ecosystem health. If the bill doesn't pass, the water rights claims could remain unresolved, potentially leading to continued legal battles and uncertainty for all users in the Rio Chama Stream System.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill officially approves and confirms the "Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement" agreement that was previously made between the Pueblo, the State of New Mexico, and other parties.
This makes the privately negotiated agreement a federally recognized and enforceable legal document, providing a final resolution to the water rights claims.
PROVISION 02
It directs the Secretary of the Interior to sign the settlement agreement and to carry out all necessary actions to implement it, while also ensuring compliance with federal environmental laws.
This ensures the federal government's commitment and resources are formally applied to finalize and execute the settlement, including environmental protection.
PROVISION 03
The bill establishes and authorizes funding for an "Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund" to support the implementation of the agreement.
This provides the financial means necessary to fulfill the terms of the settlement, including potential infrastructure or land management projects.
PROVISION 04
It outlines that once the settlement is fully implemented and enforceable, Ohkay Owingeh and the U.S. government will give up any further claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System beyond what is defined in the agreement.
This provides finality and prevents future litigation over these specific water rights, offering long-term certainty for all water users.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· New Mexico
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
38
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 13
Introduced in House
FEB 13
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1323
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 13, 2025
Last actionFeb 13, 2025
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025
House BillHR 1323Federal-Indian relationsWildlife conservation and habitat protection
Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 13, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 13, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
27 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
