Water Rights Settlement for Ohkay Owingeh

Official: Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

IntroducedN/A

Native AmericansLand transfersLand use and conservationWatershedsFederal-Indian relationsIndian lands and resources rightsGovernment trust fundsState and local financeWater qualityIndian claimsNew MexicoWater use and supplyWildlife conservation and habitat protection

Why This Matters

This bill aims to finalize water rights for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico, ensuring they have access to necessary water resources. It also includes funding to help restore important natural areas.

If you live near the Rio Chama Stream, this bill could improve water access and environmental restoration in your area.

Affects: Members of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and local communities relying on the Rio Chama Stream.

Summary

Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025This bill recognizes and settles certain water rights claims in New Mexico of the pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh. It also establishes and provides funding for a settlement trust fund. Specifically, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement agreement entered into by Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and others, thus satisfying claims to water rights in the Rio Chama Stream System in New Mexico. The bill establishes and provides funding for the Ohkay Owingeh Water Rights Settlement Trust Fund. This trust fund may only be used for five specified purposes, including for activities related to water production, treatment, or delivery infrastructure. The bill also (1) specifies the water rights of the pueblo; and (2) outlines waivers, releases, and retentions of claims by the pueblo and the United States.

What changes is this bill making?

1. This bill settles water rights claims for the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico. 2. It confirms an agreement between Ohkay Owingeh, the state, and other parties regarding water use. 3. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to execute the agreement and take necessary actions. 4. It establishes a trust fund to support the implementation of the agreement. 5. The bill aims to restore the Bosque, a forest area along the Rio Chama Stream.