Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025
In Committee
Introduced:Feb 13, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Kevin Cramer
Senator
Republican
ND
Cosponsors
1
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Native Americans
Summary
This bill settles water rights claims of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico for the Rio Chama Stream System. It establishes a settlement trust fund for water infrastructure and specifies the water rights of the pueblo while outlining claim waivers by the tribe and the United States.
Latest Action
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill settles water rights claims of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico for the Rio Chama Stream System. It establishes a settlement trust fund for water infrastructure and specifies the water rights of the pueblo while outlining claim waivers by the tribe and the United States.
Last updated: 1/6/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Settles Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo water rights in New Mexico
Establishes settlement trust fund for water infrastructure
Covers Rio Chama Stream System claims
Specifies water rights of the pueblo
Outlines waivers and releases of claims
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
The Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo would receive legal certainty over water rights in the Rio Chama system. Trust fund resources would support water production, treatment, and delivery infrastructure. This resolves long-standing water claims in New Mexico.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Native Americans
Related Subjects
Federal-Indian relations
Government trust funds
Indian claims
Indian lands and resources rights
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
New Mexico
State and local finance
Water quality
Water use and supply
+2 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
563, 119th Congress (2025). "Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-563
