HR 1444: Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

Cosponsors

Teresa Leger Fernandez (D) NM, Melanie Stansbury (D) NM

Summary

Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Zuni and establishes and provides funding for a related settlement trust fund. It also requires federal actions related to the Zuni Salt Lake in New Mexico.

Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Zuni, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Zuni River Stream System in New Mexico.

The bill establishes and provides funding for the Zuni Tribe Settlement Trust Fund (and specified accounts) for purposes of carrying out this bill.

Additionally, the bill (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.

The bill also withdraws certain federal land in New Mexico from mineral development. The bill reserves this federal land for the following three purposes: (1) the protection of the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary, (2) the protection of the quality and quantity of the Zuni Salt Lake’s water supply, and (3) the protection of any cultural resources associated with the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary. The Bureau of Land Management must manage this land.

The Department of the Interior must take certain land surrounding the Zuni Salt Lake into trust for the benefit of Zuni.

Subjects

Federal-Indian relations, Geography and mapping, Government information and archives, Government trust funds, Indian claims, Indian lands and resources rights, Lakes and rivers, Land transfers, Land use and conservation, New Mexico, Water use and supply

Policy Areas

Native Americans

Next Steps

The bill's next steps include review and potential amendment by the House Natural Resources Committee, followed by hearings, markup, and a vote. If passed by the House, it will move to the Senate.

Social Impact

This bill aims to positively affect the Zuni Tribe by settling water rights claims, protecting the Zuni Salt Lake, and fostering economic development. It may also impact other water users in the region.

Business Impact

The bill may lead to new business opportunities for companies involved in water infrastructure development and management within the Zuni River Basin.

Financial Impact

The bill allocates $685 million in funding for water rights settlement and infrastructure projects, impacting federal and tribal finances. The State of New Mexico also contributes funds.

Bill History

Tuesday, February 18, 2025
IntroReferral - Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025
IntroReferral - Introduced in House

Bill Text

Introduced in House February 18, 2025
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Sponsors