Sponsors (2)
Introduced March 26, 2026 by Celeste Maloy · Last progress March 26, 2026
The bill accelerates study (and potential construction) of selective water withdrawals to improve hydropower efficiency and protect Colorado River reservoirs and ecosystems, but it increases federal spending and could impose operational changes or limit future flexibility for state and local water managers.
Western water users and downstream communities: selective withdrawal could enable better-managed reservoir releases that optimize hydropower generation while protecting reservoirs from invasive species and improving water-supply reliability.
Hydropower producers (CRSP contractors): selective withdrawal may increase generation efficiency by enabling colder-water releases with less loss of power output.
Colorado River ecosystem and downstream habitats: reduced entrainment of invasive species into reservoirs could improve ecological health and long-term environmental outcomes for the basin.
Local water operators and rural communities: if construction or a specific alternative proceeds, it could impose changes or restrictions on local water operations and water users' practices.
Taxpayers: the required study and any subsequent construction will use federal funds and could increase federal spending without reimbursement, raising the taxpayer burden.
State and local governments: the provision’s explicit preservation of post-2026 reservoir operation guidance could limit future operational flexibility and constrain adaptive responses to changing conditions.
Based on analysis of 1 section of legislative text.
Requires an 18‑month feasibility study (with hydrologic modeling) of a selective water withdrawal at Glen Canyon Dam and allows construction if feasible and approved, funded by appropriations.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation and in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Colorado River Storage Project power contractors, to complete a feasibility study (including hydrologic modeling) of a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam to improve hydropower generation while preventing entrainment of invasive aquatic species. The study must be finished within 18 months, funding must be identified within 90 days, and if the study finds a feasible alternative the Secretary may move forward with compliance and construction with concurrence of the CRSP power contractors and consistent with reclamation law. Costs must be paid with appropriated funds that are nonreimbursable and nonreturnable. The measure preserves existing post-2026 Colorado River reservoir operations guidelines and strategies and does not itself change those operational rules.