To clarify jurisdiction with respect to certain Bureau of Reclamation pumped storage development, and for other purposes.
What changed between versions
The definition of 'Agreement' now includes the phrase 'as amended,' clarifying that subsequent amendments to the 1917 agreement are incorporated.
The definition of 'covered land' adds 'in the State of Arizona' to explicitly limit the geographic scope, and changes 'Reclamation purposes' to 'the Bureau of Reclamation purposes' for clarity.
New section (g)(2) designates the Bureau of Reclamation as the lead agency for environmental compliance related to this project.
New section (g)(3) explicitly states that the withdrawal of the covered land itself does not constitute a major Federal action under NEPA, meaning no separate Environmental Impact Statement is required for the withdrawal.
Section (d) was restructured from a simple title transfer provision into a multi-step process requiring: (1) designs conforming to Bureau of Reclamation standards with Secretary of the Interior approval, (2) construction subject to inspection and approval by the Secretary of the Interior, (3) title transfer only upon a determination of substantial completion, and (4) SRP responsibility for ongoing care and maintenance.
New section (f) requires that management of the covered land follow the April 27, 1979 Management Memorandum among the District, USDA Forest Service, and Bureau of Reclamation, as amended.
New section (g)(1) directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete all environmental compliance under NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and other applicable laws before any construction begins on the covered land.
New section (g)(4) adds an antideficiency clause stating the United States is not liable for failure to carry out obligations under this title if Congress has not provided adequate appropriations expressly for this Act's purposes.
