Evaluating Water Supply Solutions and Strengthening Local Voices

Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a legislative hearing on four bills to provide solutions to declining water supplies in Western communities and formalize input from local water contractors. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement in response:

"Our western way of life would not be possible without a proactive approach to water management. House Republicans are driving this tradition forward to find real solutions for developing critical water infrastructure. Careful stewardship of our water supplies requires thorough oversight to protect our farms, ranches and communities and provide resilience against the ongoing drought."

Background

H.R. 7287, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), approves a feasibility study for the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System to support water supply solutions for municipalities, rural communities and industries.

H.R. 7331, the Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), evaluates water supply solutions for the region by authorizing a feasibility study for the Dakota Mainstem Water Supply System.

H.R. 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, introduced by U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), strengthens and formalizes coordination between federal agencies and local water contractors during consultations required by Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. These consultations can have significant effects on water deliveries to agricultural producers, municipalities and rural communities.

H.R. 7515, introduced by U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), transfers ownership of the Clear Creek Hatchery to the Nisqually Indian Tribe. This allows the Tribe to use federal funds for infrastructure maintenance and improvements.

For more information on the hearing, click here.