To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Jan 13, 2025)
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.
What just happenedMay 14, 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Who’s behind it
- Referred in SenateMay 14, 2025
- Engrossed in HouseMay 13, 2025
- Reported in HouseApr 17, 2025
- Introduced in HouseJan 13, 2025
- May 14, 2025IntroReferral
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Energy and Natural Resources Committee - May 13, 2025FloorH38310
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- May 13, 2025FloorH37300
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1969)
- May 13, 2025Floor8000
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, 2025FloorH8D000
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 331.
- May 13, 2025FloorH30000
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1969-1970)
- May 13, 2025FloorH30300
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Apr 17, 2025CalendarsH12410
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 37.
- Apr 17, 2025CommitteeH12200
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60.
Natural Resources Committee - Apr 17, 2025Committee5000
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60.
Natural Resources Committee - Feb 12, 2025Committee
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
Natural Resources Committee - Feb 12, 2025Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Natural Resources Committee - Feb 12, 2025Committee
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
Natural Resources Committee - Jan 23, 2025Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee - Jan 21, 2025Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee - Jan 13, 2025IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Natural Resources Committee - Jan 13, 2025IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jan 13, 2025IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House