To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.

Sponsor

Summary

This bill modifies the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to expand provisions concerning authorizations (e.g., rights-of-way) to transport water across public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for aquifer recharge purposes.Under the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act, the holder of existing rights-of-way, easements, permits, or other authorizations to transport water across BLM land may transport the water for aquifer recharge purposes without additional authorization from the Department of the Interior so long as the use does not expand or modify the operation of such authorizations across public land.The bill allows the holders of such authorizations to act not only on behalf of themselves, but also on behalf of states, Indian Tribes, or public entities, to use the existing authorizations for aquifer recharge without additional authorization from the Department of the Interior. Further, the bill states that this use may not be considered an expansion, modification, major federal action, or substantial deviation.Additionally, the bill exempts holders from paying additional rents to the BLM for any use of such authorizations; however, the exemption does not apply to for-profit uses of aquifer recharge or for-profit entities. Finally, holders of rights-of-way or other authorizations must provide notice to the BLM of the intended use of authorization as specified by the bill.

Source: Congressional Research Service via Congress.gov · as of Jul 11, 2026

How it has moved

1. May 14, 2025Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2. May 13, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
3. May 13, 2025On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1969)
4. May 13, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1969)
5. May 13, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 331.
6. May 13, 2025Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1969-1970)
7. May 13, 2025Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
8. April 17, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 37.
9. April 17, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60.
10. April 17, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60.
11. February 12, 2025Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.