Only the right has signed this so far (Bill Ranking)
H.R. 331 · 119th Congress (2025-2026)
2 members · Left 0 · Center 0 · Right 2 (Bill Ranking)
| Sponsor | Rep. Fulcher, Russ (R-ID) (Introduced 01/13/2025) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Voting Record | Right · DW-NOMINATE +0.64 · measured from every roll-call vote this member has cast (voteview.com) (Sponsor Ranking) |
| Support |
LLLCLRR support across the spectrum: 2 members signed on (Bill Ranking) this bill: sponsor + current cosponsors, each once |
| Committees | Senate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee; House - Natural Resources Committee |
| Latest Action | 05/14/2025 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. |
| Roll Call Votes | There have been no roll call votes |
| Source | view on congress.gov → |
Introduced in House (01/13/2025)
This bill modifies the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to expand provisions concerning authorizations (e.g., rights-of-way) to transport water across public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for aquifer recharge purposes.
Under the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act, the holder of existing rights-of-way, easements, permits, or other authorizations to transport water across BLM land may transport the water for aquifer recharge purposes without additional authorization from the Department of the Interior so long as the use does not expand or modify the operation of such authorizations across public land.
The bill allows the holders of such authorizations to act not only on behalf of themselves, but also on behalf of states, Indian Tribes, or public entities, to use the existing authorizations for aquifer recharge without additional authorization from the Department of the Interior. Further, the bill states that this use may not be considered an expansion, modification, major federal action, or substantial deviation.
Additionally, the bill exempts holders from paying additional rents to the BLM for any use of such authorizations; however, the exemption does not apply to for-profit uses of aquifer recharge or for-profit entities.
Finally, holders of rights-of-way or other authorizations must provide notice to the BLM of the intended use of authorization as specified by the bill.
119 HR 331 EH: To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes. U.S. House of Representatives text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IB 119th CONGRESS1st Session H. R. 331
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.
1.Conveyance for aquifer recharge purposes (a)In generalSubsection (c)(3) of the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended— (1)by striking The holder and inserting the following: (A)In generalThe holder; (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking may transport water for aquifer recharge purposes without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary where the use does not expand or modify the operation and inserting may, acting for the holder or on behalf of a State, political subdivision of a State, Indian Tribe, or public entity and subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge and the transport and use of water rights for aquifer recharge without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary, which use shall not be considered an expansion, modification, or substantial deviation; and (3)by adding at the end the following: (B)Notice required (i)In generalNot less than 30 days before using an existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge under subparagraph (A), the holder of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization shall submit to the Bureau of Land Management notice of the intended use, in accordance with clause (ii). (ii)RequirementsA notice submitted under clause (i) shall— (I)identify the State, political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribe, or public entity intending to use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge; (II)identify the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, other authorization, or recognized authorized use for ditches and canals constructed on public land before or on October 21, 1976, under the authority of sections 2339 and 2340 of the Revised Statutes (43 U.S.C. 661) intended to be used; (III)provide details on the intended use and scope of use for the purpose of aquifer recharge of the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization; and (IV)provide a copy of the agreement between the State, political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribe, or public entity and the holder of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization to use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge.. (b)EffectSubsection (c)(4) of the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended— (1)by striking Act creates and inserting section— (A)creates; (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3)by adding at the end of the following: (B)waives the obligation of the holder of a right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization described in paragraph (3)(A) to comply with all applicable— (i)Federal laws; and (ii)policies of the Bureau; or (C)provides authority to construct, modify, or expand any existing infrastructure covered under subsection (c)(3).. (c)Technical amendmentsThe Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended in each of subsections (a) and (c)(5) by striking Act each place it appears and inserting section. Passed the House of Representatives May 13, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
119 HR 331 IH: To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 2025-01-13 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 331IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 13, 2025Mr. Fulcher (for himself and Mr. Simpson) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.1.Conveyance for aquifer recharge purposes(a)In generalSubsection (c)(3) of the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended—(1)by striking The holder and inserting the following:(A)In generalThe holder; (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking may transport water for aquifer recharge purposes without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary where the use does not expand or modify the operation and inserting may, acting for the holder or on behalf of a State, political subdivision of a State, Indian Tribe, or public entity and subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge and the transport and use of water rights for aquifer recharge without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary, which use shall not be considered an expansion, modification, major Federal action, or substantial deviation; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(B)Notice required(i)In generalNot less than 30 days before using an existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge under subparagraph (A), the holder of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization shall submit to the Bureau of Land Management notice of the intended use, in accordance with clause (ii).(ii)RequirementsA notice submitted under clause (i) shall— (I)identify the State, political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribe, or public entity intending to use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge;(II)identify the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, other authorization, or recognized authorized use for ditches and canals constructed on public land before or on October 21, 1976, under the authority of sections 2339 and 2340 of the Revised Statutes (43 U.S.C. 661) intended to be used; (III)provide details on the intended use and scope of use for the purpose of aquifer recharge of the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization; and(IV)provide a copy of the agreement between the State, political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribe, or public entity and the holder of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization to use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge.(C)Exemption from payment of additional rent(i)In generalExcept as provided in clause (ii), any use of an existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge under subparagraph (A) shall be exempt from the payment of additional rent to the Bureau of Land Management.(ii)For-profit uses and entitiesClause (i) shall not apply to—(I)any for-profit uses of aquifer recharge; or (II)any for-profit entities..(b)EffectSubsection (c)(4) of the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended—(1)by striking Act creates and inserting section—(A)creates; (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(3)by adding at the end of the following:(B)waives the obligation of the holder of a right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization described in paragraph (3)(A) to comply with—(i)the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); (ii)the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or(iii)the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.); or(C)provides authority to construct, modify, or expand any existing infrastructure covered under subsection (c)(3)..(c)Technical amendmentsThe Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended in each of subsections (a) and (c)(5) by striking Act each place it appears and inserting section.
119 HR 331 : To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 2025-05-14 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IIB119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 331IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 14, 2025Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesAN ACTTo amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.1.Conveyance for aquifer recharge purposes(a)In generalSubsection (c)(3) of the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended—(1)by striking The holder and inserting the following:(A)In generalThe holder; (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking may transport water for aquifer recharge purposes without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary where the use does not expand or modify the operation and inserting may, acting for the holder or on behalf of a State, political subdivision of a State, Indian Tribe, or public entity and subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge and the transport and use of water rights for aquifer recharge without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary, which use shall not be considered an expansion, modification, or substantial deviation; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(B)Notice required(i)In generalNot less than 30 days before using an existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge under subparagraph (A), the holder of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization shall submit to the Bureau of Land Management notice of the intended use, in accordance with clause (ii).(ii)RequirementsA notice submitted under clause (i) shall— (I)identify the State, political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribe, or public entity intending to use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge;(II)identify the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, other authorization, or recognized authorized use for ditches and canals constructed on public land before or on October 21, 1976, under the authority of sections 2339 and 2340 of the Revised Statutes (43 U.S.C. 661) intended to be used; (III)provide details on the intended use and scope of use for the purpose of aquifer recharge of the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization; and(IV)provide a copy of the agreement between the State, political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribe, or public entity and the holder of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization to use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge..(b)EffectSubsection (c)(4) of the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended—(1)by striking Act creates and inserting section—(A)creates; (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(3)by adding at the end of the following:(B)waives the obligation of the holder of a right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization described in paragraph (3)(A) to comply with all applicable—(i)Federal laws; and(ii)policies of the Bureau; or(C)provides authority to construct, modify, or expand any existing infrastructure covered under subsection (c)(3)..(c)Technical amendmentsThe Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended in each of subsections (a) and (c)(5) by striking Act each place it appears and inserting section.Passed the House of Representatives May 13, 2025.Kevin F. McCumber,Clerk.
119 HR 331 RH: To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 2025-04-17 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. IBUnion Calendar No. 37119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 331[Report No. 119–60]IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 13, 2025Mr. Fulcher (for himself and Mr. Simpson) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesApril 17, 2025Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printedStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicFor text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on January 13, 2025A BILLTo amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.1.Conveyance for aquifer recharge purposes(a)In generalSubsection (c)(3) of the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended—(1)by striking The holder and inserting the following:(A)In generalThe holder; (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking may transport water for aquifer recharge purposes without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary where the use does not expand or modify the operation and inserting may, acting for the holder or on behalf of a State, political subdivision of a State, Indian Tribe, or public entity and subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge and the transport and use of water rights for aquifer recharge without requiring additional authorization from the Secretary, which use shall not be considered an expansion, modification, or substantial deviation; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(B)Notice required(i)In generalNot less than 30 days before using an existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge under subparagraph (A), the holder of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization shall submit to the Bureau of Land Management notice of the intended use, in accordance with clause (ii).(ii)RequirementsA notice submitted under clause (i) shall— (I)identify the State, political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribe, or public entity intending to use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge;(II)identify the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, other authorization, or recognized authorized use for ditches and canals constructed on public land before or on October 21, 1976, under the authority of sections 2339 and 2340 of the Revised Statutes (43 U.S.C. 661) intended to be used; (III)provide details on the intended use and scope of use for the purpose of aquifer recharge of the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization; and(IV)provide a copy of the agreement between the State, political subdivision of the State, Indian Tribe, or public entity and the holder of the right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization to use the existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization for the purpose of aquifer recharge..(b)EffectSubsection (c)(4) of the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended—(1)by striking Act creates and inserting section—(A)creates; (2)in subparagraph (A) (as so designated), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and(3)by adding at the end of the following:(B)waives the obligation of the holder of a right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization described in paragraph (3)(A) to comply with all applicable—(i)Federal laws; and(ii)policies of the Bureau; or(C)provides authority to construct, modify, or expand any existing infrastructure covered under subsection (c)(3)..(c)Technical amendmentsThe Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act (43 U.S.C. 390g–9) is amended in each of subsections (a) and (c)(5) by striking Act each place it appears and inserting section.April 17, 2025Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
The bill's own words, from our database (synced from the GPO BILLS XML); paragraph breaks added at the bill's section boundaries, nothing else changed.
| Date | Chamber | All Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 01/13/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 01/13/2025 | Library of Congress | Introduced in House |
| 01/13/2025 | House floor actions | Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. |
| 01/21/2025 | House committee actions | Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. |
| 01/23/2025 | House committee actions | Subcommittee Hearings Held |
| 02/12/2025 | House committee actions | Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged |
| 02/12/2025 | House committee actions | Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held. |
| 02/12/2025 | House committee actions | Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent. |
| 04/17/2025 | Library of Congress | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60. |
| 04/17/2025 | House floor actions | Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-60. |
| 04/17/2025 | House floor actions | Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 37. |
| 05/13/2025 | House floor actions | Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. |
| 05/13/2025 | House floor actions | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1969-1970) |
| 05/13/2025 | House floor actions | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 331. |
| 05/13/2025 | Library of Congress | Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1969) |
| 05/13/2025 | House floor actions | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1969) |
| 05/13/2025 | House floor actions | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. |
| 05/14/2025 | Senate | Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. |
| Title Type | Title |
|---|---|
| Display Title | To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes. |
| Official Titles from EH (Engrossed in House) bill text | To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes. |
| Official Title as Introduced | To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes. |
There are no amendments to this bill.
* = Original cosponsor
| Committee | Activity |
|---|---|
| Senate - Energy and Natural Resources Committee | 05/14/2025 Referred To |
| House - Natural Resources Committee | 04/17/2025 Reported By |
| House - Natural Resources Committee | 02/12/2025 Markup By |
| House - Natural Resources Committee | 02/12/2025 Discharged from |
| House - Natural Resources Committee | 01/13/2025 Referred To |
Policy Area: Water Resources Development
All data on this page comes from our own database (legislation.congress_* tables), synced daily from the GPO govinfo BILLSTATUS and BILLS collections. Formatted after congress.gov; nothing is generated. Member placement is their DW-NOMINATE score (voteview.com, Lewis et al.) - a measurement of roll-call voting behavior, not our judgement. Buckets: Left below −0.50 · Lean Left to −0.25 · Center to +0.25 · Lean Right to +0.50 · Right above +0.50. The bill's Support meter aggregates the people who signed the bill - sponsor and current cosponsors, each counted once - nothing else.