Water Rights Protection Act

This bill, called the Water Rights Protection Act of 2025, aims to keep control of water rights with states and local water users. It tells the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to follow state water law and not add extra limits when they issue or renew permits or leases to use federal land. It also bars them from forcing anyone—including federally recognized Indian Tribes—to transfer water rights to the United States or to get a water right in the United States’ name just to receive or keep a permit or lease.

The bill further says these agencies cannot hold back or condition permits based on changing when, how much, or where a state‑recognized water right is used beyond what state law already allows, or on changing a state’s groundwater rules and reporting procedures. It does not change the Endangered Species Act, federal or tribal reserved water rights, Bureau of Reclamation contracts, Federal Power Act authorities, or interstate water compacts.

• Who is affected: People and groups who need Interior or USDA permits or leases to use federal lands, including water users and federally recognized Indian Tribes.
• What changes: Federal actions must match state water law and cannot require transferring water rights to the U.S., acquiring rights in the U.S.’s name, or adding extra limits beyond state law.
• Where it applies: To issuing, renewing, amending, or extending permits, licenses, leases, rights‑of‑way, and similar land‑use approvals on federal lands.