The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries recently held a legislative hearing to discuss 12 bills focused on Indian water rights and settlements. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) highlighted the significance of this hearing, stating, "[This] hearing was an important chance for us to discuss Indian water rights settlements across the west and work towards peaceful negotiation rather than unnecessary litigation. I'd like to thank the numerous witnesses for their insightful testimony today and my colleagues for their hard work on the legislation we discussed."

The proposed bills are designed to address various water rights issues for indigenous communities, and they hold substantial implications for the water well drilling and water conservation sectors. Here is a closer look at each bill and its potential impact:

H.R. 1304 - Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2023

Introduced by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), this bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to sign water rights settlement agreements affecting four Pueblo chapters in Northern New Mexico. This legislation aims to provide these communities with reliable water sources, thus potentially increasing the need for well drilling and water management services. 

H.R. 3977 - Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2023

Also introduced by Rep. Leger Fernandez, this bill amends the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act. The main focus of this particular bill is on enhancing the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, which will likely require extensive drilling and infrastructure development to ensure consistent water supply. These New mexico bills may also correlate with the other water rights issues in New Mexico as well making them highly interesting to take note of now. 

H.R. 6599 - Technical Corrections to the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, and Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act

This bill provides funding adjustments to support water development projects for the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and Aamodt Settlement Pueblos, thereby facilitating better water resource management. From a water quality perspective, this bill is sure to make an impact in a highly positive manner. 

H.R. 7240 & H.R. 8791 - Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

Introduced by Reps. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) and Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), these bills approve the Montana-Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Compact and include provisions for developing a wastewater treatment facility for the Blackfeet Tribe. These initiatives will demand significant water infrastructure development and drilling efforts that will boost the areas’ water conservation and water well drilling awareness. 

H.R. 8685 - Ohkay Owingeh Rio Chama Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

This bill, introduced by Rep. Leger Fernandez, approves a settlement for water rights claims by the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in New Mexico. The settlement supports various water uses, potentially increasing the demand for water management services.

H.R. 8920 - Tule River Tribe Reserved Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

Introduced by Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.), this bill authorizes a water settlement agreement between the Tule River Tribe and downstream water users. The agreement will require substantial drilling and water system infrastructure to ensure the tribe's water rights are met.

H.R. 8940 - Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) introduced this bill to settle water rights claims of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe in Arizona. This settlement will necessitate significant water well drilling and infrastructure development and will help several indigenous tribes with water security and quality improvement.

H.R. 8945 - Navajo Nation Rio San José Stream System Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

Rep. Leger Fernandez's bill settles water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Basin and Rio Puerco Basin in New Mexico. 

H.R. 8949 - Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

Introduced by Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), this bill authorizes a settlement agreement for the Yavapai-Apache Nation, requiring the Bureau of Reclamation to develop a water infrastructure project, which includes substantial drilling operations.

H.R. 8951 - Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024

Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) introduced this bill, which authorizes a fund-based water rights settlement agreement for the Zuni Indian Tribe. The settlement will involve significant water conservation strategies and water well drilling activities.

H.R. 8953 - Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2024

Rep. Zinke's bill amends the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 to provide flexibility and time for the Tribe to deliver clean water and complete energy development projects. This will necessitate considerable water infrastructure efforts.

Impact on Drilling and Water Conservation

These bills represent critical steps towards resolving longstanding water rights disputes and ensuring sustainable water resources for indigenous communities. For the drilling industry, this translates to increased demand for drilling services, infrastructure development, and water management expertise. Additionally, these initiatives will enhance water conservation efforts by providing indigenous communities with reliable water sources and modern water management systems.

The legislative hearing on Indian water rights settlements puts into perspective the importance of addressing water resource challenges through negotiation and collaboration. As they often say, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” and these hardworking and outspoken individuals have proven this by fighting for water rights and water infrastructures in their communities until the results were seen.

The proposed bills not only aim to secure water rights for indigenous communities, however, but also create significant opportunities for the drilling industry to contribute to sustainable water management and conservation efforts. By implementing these settlements, both water security and economic growth can be achieved, fostering a more resilient and equitable future for all stakeholders, communities, and tribes involved.