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Yesterday, the House Natural Resources Committee heard Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández’s five pivotal water rights settlement bills for 11 tribes in New Mexico. If passed, the bills could deliver a combined $3.6 billion in water infrastructure investments—one of the largest investments in water infrastructure in New Mexico history.

"Yesterday, we considered legislation that positively impacts 11 of New Mexico's 21 tribes, including five of my bills. In New Mexico, we say, agua es vida—water is life. Water is also key to tribal sovereignty,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. "These bills honor the hard work and dedication of tribal leaders and local partners who have come together to negotiate fair settlements. The tribes have acted in good faith. It's now Congress' turn to act and approve them."

The bills, if passed, will approve settlements that have been negotiated over decades between tribes, Acequias as well as surrounding towns and villages. The resolution of the contentious water rights litigation will also provide all water users with certainty regarding access to water in times of scarcity and create economic development opportunities.

Watch the full hearing HERE.

About the bills:

H.R. 1304 – Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2023

This bill authorizes the Rio San Jose Settlement and the Rio Jemez Settlement, involving the Pueblos of Laguna, Acoma, Jemez, and Zia. It provides $850 million in appropriations for the Pueblos of Laguna and Acoma, and $490 million for the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia. These funds will be used for water rights acquisition, infrastructure development, and watershed protection. The State of New Mexico will contribute an additional $56 million for non-tribal water users. Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Luján (D-NM) introduced the Senate companion to this bill and Representatives Stansbury (D-NM) and Vasquez (D-NM) are cosponsors. 

H.R. 3977 – Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2023

This bill amends the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project that will improve water access for the Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the City of Gallup, New Mexico, and other northwestern New Mexico communities. The legislation increases the cost ceiling for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project to $2.175 billion and extends the project's completion deadline to December 31, 2029. It establishes trust funds for the Navajo Nation and the Jicarilla Apache Nation to support the project's operations, maintenance, and replacement. Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Luján (D-NM) introduced the Senate companion to this bill and Representative Stansbury (D-NM) is a cosponsor.

H.R. 6599 – Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act

This bill addresses a technical issue that previously prevented DOI from investing trust funds prior to settlement enforcement dates, resulting in fewer funds for the water infrastructure for the tribes. It authorizes $18.4 million in appropriations to the affected tribes, including the Navajo Nation and the Pueblos of Taos, Nambé, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, and Tesuque. Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Luján (D-NM) introduced the Senate companion to this bill and Representative Stansbury (D-NM) is a cosponsor.

H.R. 8685 – Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

This legislation ratifies the Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement, providing $745 million for the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh to enhance water infrastructure and bosque restoration. The State of New Mexico will contribute $131 million for non-tribal users. Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Luján (D-NM) introduced the Senate companion to this bill and Representative Stansbury (D-NM) is a cosponsor.

H.R. 8945 – Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

Complementing H.R. 1304, this bill authorizes an addendum to the Rio San Jose Settlement to quantify Navajo Nation’s rights in the Rio San Jose Basin, providing $223.27 million for critical water infrastructure projects.