Klamath Basin Water Agreement Support Act of 2024

house

senate

president

Legislation Details

Amends the Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2000 to enhance the Secretary of the Interior’s authorities regarding Klamath Basin watershed projects.
Recognizes the importance of the Klamath River Basin for fish, wildlife, and local communities, including Tribal and agricultural groups.
Addresses the decline of Tribal fisheries and ongoing conflicts exacerbated by the Endangered Species Act.
Notes significant federal expenditures aimed at improving fisheries without yielding identifiable benefits for threatened or endangered fish populations.
Highlights the economic impact of dam removals on local communities and the costs associated with replacing lost hydropower.
Authorizes the Secretary to implement voluntary programs for irrigation water users, focusing on conservation and efficiency.
Mandates the Secretary to support the implementation of recommendations to reduce power costs for irrigation users.
Allows the Secretary to plan and execute restoration projects in the Klamath Basin, including fish habitat restoration and reducing impacts on aquatic resources.
Establishes goals for reducing water conflicts and protecting natural resources in the Klamath Basin.
Provides for reimbursement agreements with local irrigation districts for operational costs related to specific pumping facilities.
Requires compliance with existing environmental laws and maintains the integrity of Tribal trust and treaty obligations.
Clarifies that the amendments do not create or modify water rights or authorize federal funds for the deconstruction of specific dams on the Klamath River.

Amends the Klamath Basin Water Supply Enhancement Act of 2000 to enhance the Secretary of the Interior’s authorities regarding Klamath Basin watershed projects.
Recognizes the importance of the Klamath River Basin for fish, wildlife, and local communities, including Tribal and agricultural groups.
Addresses the decline of Tribal fisheries and ongoing conflicts exacerbated by the Endangered Species Act.
Notes significant federal expenditures aimed at improving fisheries without yielding identifiable benefits for threatened or endangered fish populations.
Highlights the economic impact of dam removals on local communities and the costs associated with replacing lost hydropower.
Authorizes the Secretary to implement voluntary programs for irrigation water users, focusing on conservation and efficiency.
Mandates the Secretary to support the implementation of recommendations to reduce power costs for irrigation users.
Allows the Secretary to plan and execute restoration projects in the Klamath Basin, including fish habitat restoration and reducing impacts on aquatic resources.
Establishes goals for reducing water conflicts and protecting natural resources in the Klamath Basin.
Provides for reimbursement agreements with local irrigation districts for operational costs related to specific pumping facilities.
Requires compliance with existing environmental laws and maintains the integrity of Tribal trust and treaty obligations.
Clarifies that the amendments do not create or modify water rights or authorize federal funds for the deconstruction of specific dams on the Klamath River.