Sponsors (3)
The bill seeks to improve reservoir releases, hydropower efficiency, and ecosystem protection on the Colorado River through a fast-tracked study and potential works, but does so at federal cost and with potential operational restrictions and limits on future flexibility for local and state water managers.
Western water users (including downstream communities and local governments) would get better-managed reservoir releases through selective withdrawal, helping balance water deliveries and hydropower operations while reducing spread of invasive species.
Hydropower producers (CRSP contractors and other utilities) could gain increased generation efficiency and reduced power losses if selective withdrawal enables colder-water releases with less impact on output.
Communities and habitats along the Colorado River could see improved ecosystem protection by reducing entrainment of invasive species into reservoirs and downstream habitats.
Federal taxpayers would bear the cost of the study and any subsequent construction, increasing federal spending without a mechanism for reimbursement.
If construction of selective withdrawal facilities proceeds, local water operators and stakeholders could face operational changes, restrictions, or new requirements that affect water deliveries and management.
The provision to explicitly preserve existing post-2026 reservoir operation guidelines could limit future operational flexibility for state and local governments and constrain adaptive responses to changing conditions.
Based on analysis of 1 section of legislative text.
Requires an 18-month feasibility study of a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam and allows construction if feasible and concurred by CRSP contractors.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a feasibility study on a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam, and for other purposes.
Introduced March 26, 2026 by Celeste Maloy · Last progress March 26, 2026
Requires the Interior Department (Bureau of Reclamation) to complete a feasibility study, including hydrologic modeling, for a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam to optimize hydropower generation while reducing entrainment of invasive species. The study must be finished within 18 months, costs are to be paid with appropriated, nonreimbursable funds, and the Secretary may proceed to compliance and construction of any legally feasible alternative with concurrence from Colorado River Storage Project power contractors. The provision directs identification of funding sources within 90 days, preserves existing post-2026 Colorado River reservoir operations guidelines, and requires consultation with the Secretary of Energy and CRSP power contractors. It does not itself change reservoir operations rules or appropriate construction funds beyond authorizing study and allowing construction if feasible and agreed to by affected parties.