arrow_back Back to App

New Mexico Pueblo Water Rights Settlement: Over $1.3 Billion for Infrastructure.

This Act finalizes historic water rights disputes for the Acoma, Laguna, Jemez, and Zia Pueblos in New Mexico. It grants the Pueblos secure, legally recognized water rights and allocates over $1.3 billion in federal funds for essential water infrastructure projects, improving access to domestic and irrigation water. In exchange, the Pueblos waive all past water claims against the US government and local water users, resolving decades of legal uncertainty.
Key points
Water Security: Pueblo communities receive permanent, protected water rights that cannot be lost due to non-use (forfeiture).
Major Funding: Over $1.3 billion in mandatory federal funding is allocated to Trust Funds for building and maintaining critical water infrastructure (wells, delivery systems, treatment) for the Pueblos.
Legal Resolution: The Act ends long-running water rights lawsuits (adjudications), providing legal stability for both the Pueblos and non-Pueblo local water users.
Infrastructure Use: Funds must be used for infrastructure, watershed protection, and economic development; they cannot be distributed directly to individual tribal members (no per capita distributions).
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_1322
Sponsor: Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Process start date: 2025-02-13
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-3-pro-preview
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_1322.

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 2025-02-13.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Water Security: Pueblo communities receive permanent, protected water rights that cannot be lost due to non-use (forfeiture).
  • Major Funding: Over $1.3 billion in mandatory federal funding is allocated to Trust Funds for building and maintaining critical water infrastructure (wells, delivery systems, treatment) for the Pueblos.
  • Legal Resolution: The Act ends long-running water rights lawsuits (adjudications), providing legal stability for both the Pueblos and non-Pueblo local water users.
  • Infrastructure Use: Funds must be used for infrastructure, watershed protection, and economic development; they cannot be distributed directly to individual tribal members (no per capita distributions).
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

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 House Committee on Natural Resources.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

CATEGORIES

Environment Public Investments Courts and Law