Bill > HR302

This bill establishes protections for water rights by preventing federal agencies (specifically the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior) from imposing conditions on land use permits that would require water users to transfer their water rights to the United States. The bill defines water rights broadly to include surface water, groundwater, and water storage rights recognized by state law, and it aims to preserve state-level authority in managing water resources. Specifically, federal agencies must recognize state governments' longstanding authority to evaluate, protect, allocate, and regulate water use, and cannot impose restrictions beyond what state water laws already establish. The bill prohibits federal agencies from conditioning land use agreements on water right transfers, requiring water users to apply for water rights in the federal government's name, or limiting water rights beyond existing state regulations. The legislation also includes several important clauses protecting existing arrangements, such as not interfering with Bureau of Reclamation contracts, the Endangered Species Act, federal reserved water rights, and water rights of Native American tribes. Essentially, the bill seeks to prevent federal overreach in water rights management and maintain state and local control over water resource allocation and usage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/302/all-info