H.R. 1323 Introduced Native Americans

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

To approve the settlement of water rights claims of Ohkay Owingeh in the Rio Chama Stream System, to restore the Bosque on Pueblo Land in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3] Introduced February 13, 2025 Cosponsors 2 (2 D) Latest action February 13, 2025

Summary

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund.
Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico.
The bill establishes and provides funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This trust fund may only be used for five specified purposes, including for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure.
The bill also (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Feb 13, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  2. Feb 13, 2025 Introduced in House

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