To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.
This bill clarifies how states, tribes, or public entities can use existing water infrastructure (like canals built before 1976) for aquifer recharge without needing new federal permits. It requires 30 days' advance notice to the Bureau of Land Management detailing the infrastructure, intended use, and a written agreement with the rights-holder. Non-profit uses of existing rights are exempt from additional rent, but for-profit operations are not. The bill also exempts these recharge activities from certain environmental laws (Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act) and allows modifying existing infrastructure. It directly affects water management entities working with federal land rights.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Senate Passage
President
Introduced Jan 13, 2025
Last action May 14, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
16
Key actions
5
Committee
7
Amendments
3
May 14, 2025
Committee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
upper
May 13, 2025
Introduced
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1969)
lower
May 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1969)
lower
May 13, 2025
Introduced
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
lower
Apr 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60.
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Introduced
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
lower
Jan 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee Hearings Held
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
lower
Jan 13, 2025
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
lower
Jan 13, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
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