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Pueblo Water Rights Settlement: Securing Water and Funding Infrastructure in New Mexico.

This Act approves water rights settlements for four Pueblo tribes (Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, Zia) in New Mexico. It grants the Pueblos permanent water rights held in trust by the United States and establishes trust funds totaling over $1.3 billion for developing and maintaining water infrastructure. In return for these benefits and to achieve a final settlement of controversies, the Pueblos waive specified past water-related claims against the US government and other parties.
Key points
Pueblo tribes receive permanent water rights held in trust by the federal government that cannot be lost due to non-use or forfeiture.
Over $1.3 billion in federal funds are authorized for trust funds dedicated to water infrastructure construction, maintenance, watershed protection, and agricultural support.
The State of New Mexico must contribute funds for local water projects and to mitigate impacts on non-Pueblo domestic and livestock groundwater rights.
The settlement resolves litigation by requiring the Pueblos to waive past water damage claims against the US and local entities.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_1304
Sponsor: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Process start date: 2023-03-01
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_1304.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-03-01.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Pueblo tribes receive permanent water rights held in trust by the federal government that cannot be lost due to non-use or forfeiture.
  • Over $1.3 billion in federal funds are authorized for trust funds dedicated to water infrastructure construction, maintenance, watershed protection, and agricultural support.
  • The State of New Mexico must contribute funds for local water projects and to mitigate impacts on non-Pueblo domestic and livestock groundwater rights.
  • The settlement resolves litigation by requiring the Pueblos to waive past water damage claims against the US and local entities.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-30.

CATEGORIES

Environment Public Investments Agriculture