Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
Introduced Feb 13, 2025 by Sen. Martin Heinrich
It's waiting on a committee vote to reach the full chamber. Most bills never leave this stage.
This 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.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service.
No floor votes yet — it hasn't reached the floor of either chamber.