Sponsors (10)
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Amends 16 U.S.C. 6543 by adding a new paragraph (7) to subsection (a) that requires management activities and authorizations to not result in long-term degradation of watershed health or lower the classification under paragraph (1) of any watershed in a National Forest, and by adding a new subsection (d) authorizing appropriations.
Multiple amendments to 16 U.S.C. 6542 (Water Source Protection Program): adds new eligible non-Federal partner categories and redesignates existing subparagraphs and paragraphs; adds a definition of "adjacent land"; revises Program purposes, requirements, and project selection priorities; establishes conditions for projects on adjacent land; expands partnership language (including referencing good neighbor agreements under 16 U.S.C. 2113a); requires facilitation of non-Federal partner leadership; clarifies plan design standards and allows existing watershed plans to serve as water source management plans; modifies purpose language in subsection (e); changes non-Federal cost-share requirement to not less than 20 percent with a Secretary waiver; updates funding levels to $30,000,000 for fiscal years 2025–2033; and adds a 10 percent set-aside for partner participation and capacity-building.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced January 22, 2025 by Jim Costa · Last progress January 22, 2025
This bill keeps and improves a program that protects the rivers and streams that supply our drinking water, especially the watersheds in and around National Forests. It adds more local partners who can take part, like acequia associations, stormwater and wastewater managers, land-grant mercedes, and private groups with water delivery authority. Projects must focus on keeping water clean and reliable, strengthening forests against wildfire and pests, and using nature-based fixes like restoring wetlands and streamside areas. Extra points go to projects that reduce risks from drought, wildfire, flooding, and extreme weather, and to efforts that help disadvantaged communities succeed .
The bill encourages local leadership and partnerships, including with end water users and through Good Neighbor Agreements, and lets agencies use existing watershed plans to avoid duplication. Work must follow the best available science and protect overall watershed health and ecological integrity . Projects on nearby non-federal lands can only happen with the landowner’s clear support, and the bill does not change land ownership or state and federal water laws .
Key points
Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House