LEGISLATION/H.R. 331

To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.

119-HR-331119th CongressIntroduced Jan 13, 2025Water Resources Development
Market Probability
No market
Status
Introduced
Committee
Floor Vote
Other Chamber
Signed
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1](R-ID-1)
1 cosponsor

Summary

This bill modifies the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to expand provisions concerning authorizations (e.g., rights-of-way) to transport water across public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for aquifer recharge purposes.

Under the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act, the holder of existing rights-of-way, easements, permits, or other authorizations to transport water across BLM land may transport the water for aquifer recharge purposes without additional authorization from the Department of the Interior so long as the use does not expand or modify the operation of such authorizations across public land.

The bill allows the holders of such authorizations to act not only on behalf of themselves, but also on behalf of states, Indian Tribes, or public entities, to use the existing authorizations for aquifer recharge without additional authorization from the Department of the Interior. Further, the bill states that this use may not be considered an expansion, modification, major federal action, or substantial deviation.

Additionally, the bill exempts holders from paying additional rents to the BLM for any use of such authorizations; however, the exemption does not apply to for-profit uses of aquifer recharge or for-profit entities. 

Finally, holders of rights-of-way or other authorizations must provide notice to the BLM of the intended use of authorization as specified by the bill.

Subjects

Land use and conservationWater use and supply

Actions (18)

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
May 14, 2025Senate
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
May 13, 2025House floor actions
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1969)
May 13, 2025House floor actions
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)
May 13, 2025Library of Congress
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 331.
May 13, 2025House floor actions
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1969-1970)
May 13, 2025House floor actions
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
May 13, 2025House floor actions
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 37.
Apr 17, 2025House floor actions
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60.
Apr 17, 2025House floor actions
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60.
Apr 17, 2025Library of Congress
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Feb 12, 2025House committee actions
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Feb 12, 2025House committee actions
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
Feb 12, 2025House committee actions
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Jan 23, 2025House committee actions
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Jan 21, 2025House committee actions
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Jan 13, 2025House floor actions
Introduced in House
Jan 13, 2025Library of Congress
Introduced in House
Jan 13, 2025Library of Congress