Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
- Last Action
- 2/13/2025
Actions
- 2025-02-13Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-13Introduced in House
- 2025-02-13Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2025-02-13 (00)
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.
Cosponsors (2)
- Melanie Stansbury (D-NM)
- Gabe Vasquez (D-NM)
Subjects
- Federal-Indian relations
- Government trust funds
- Indian claims
- Indian lands and resources rights
- Land transfers
- Land use and conservation
- New Mexico
- State and local finance
- Water quality
- Water use and supply
- Watersheds
- Wildlife conservation and habitat protection
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.