Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025
Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Does:** This bill would settle long-standing disputes over water rights for four Native American pueblos in New Mexico: Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia. Specifically, it would officially recognize and approve water rights agreements for the Rio San José and Rio Jemez river systems that these tribes have negotiated with the federal government, New Mexico state officials, and other parties. The bill would also create three trust funds to help the Pueblo of Acoma, Pueblo of Laguna, and support reservoir infrastructure projects. **Who It Affects:** The primary beneficiaries are the four named pueblos in New Mexico, which would gain legally recognized water rights to support their communities.
The bill also affects water users throughout the affected river systems and New Mexico state water management. Federal and state governments would be involved in implementing the settlements. **Current Status:** The bill (S 562) was introduced by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill addresses Native American water rights, federal-Indian relations, and water resource management in New Mexico.
CRS Official Summary
Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025This 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.
Latest Action
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.