Water Rights Protection: Federal Agencies Cannot Demand Water Transfer for Permits.
This Act protects existing surface and groundwater rights held by citizens, businesses, and tribes under State law. It prohibits federal agencies, specifically the Departments of Interior and Agriculture, from conditioning the issuance of federal permits, leases, or land use agreements on the transfer of these water rights to the U.S. government. This ensures that individuals maintain control over their water resources when conducting activities on federal lands.
Key points
Federal agencies are banned from requiring the transfer of private water rights to the U.S. as a condition for granting federal land use permits or leases.
The law reinforces the authority of State law in regulating, allocating, and adjudicating water rights, preventing federal overreach.
Federal requirements regarding water use cannot impose restrictions greater than those already established by applicable State water law.
Expired
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