H.R. 331

In brief

This bill authorizes holders of existing Bureau of Land Management water rights-of-way to transport water for aquifer recharge purposes on behalf of states, Indian Tribes, and other public entities without seeking additional federal approval. It specifies that these activities do not constitute a major federal action or a modification of the original land use permit and exempts non-profit and public users from paying additional rents for the transport. Introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher (R-ID), the legislation has passed the House and moved to the Senate for consideration. Existing permit holders must provide notice to the agency before beginning recharge operations under these expanded provisions.