All Roll Calls
Yes: 384 • No: 1
118-hr-1607118th Congress
To clarify jurisdiction with respect to certain Bureau of Reclamation pumped storage development, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Representative Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1]
Became Law
Summary
Reserves a specific tract of National Forest land to support the Salt River Project's development, generation, and transmission of electrical power for the Salt River Federal Reclamation Project. The law permanently withdraws the defined covered land from public entry and mineral claims and requires construction to meet Bureau of Reclamation standards and environmental review before work begins.
Show full summary
- Gives the Salt River Project and the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association exclusive rights to use the covered land for building and operating power generation and transmission for the Salt River Federal Reclamation Project. SRP-built facilities must meet Bureau of Reclamation standards and final designs are reviewed by the Secretary of the Interior.
- Permanently withdraws the covered land from entry, appropriation, and disposal under public land laws and from mining, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws, blocking new claims and leases on that land.
- Directs federal agencies to manage the area under an existing management memorandum, requires the Secretary of Agriculture to publish a boundary map, and makes the Bureau of Reclamation the lead agency for environmental compliance under NEPA and the Endangered Species Act.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Defines Salt River Project land and map
The law defines key terms for the Salt River Project. It sets what “covered land” means in Arizona. The Agriculture Department must promptly prepare a public map showing the boundary. The map is kept at Forest Service and Reclamation offices for anyone to see.
No federal liability without funding
The United States is not liable for duties under this law, including under the 1917 Agreement, unless Congress provides specific funding. If Congress does not appropriate money, the federal government is not required to carry out those duties.
Building and environmental rules for Salt River power
Facilities on the covered land must meet Bureau of Reclamation design standards. The Interior Secretary reviews designs, inspects work, and accepts title when work is substantially complete. The Salt River Project operates and maintains the facilities. Environmental reviews under NEPA and the Endangered Species Act must finish before construction. Reclamation is the lead agency, and the land withdrawal itself is not a NEPA major action.
Reserves land for power, blocks mining
The law reserves the covered land for power development for the Salt River Project. It permanently blocks new public land entry, mining claims, and mineral or geothermal leasing there. Valid existing rights still apply.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1]
AZ • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4]
AZ • D
Sponsored 3/14/2023
Rep. Lesko, Debbie [R-AZ-8]
AZ • R
Sponsored 4/17/2023
Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 4/17/2023
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]
AZ • R
Sponsored 8/29/2023
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 11/6/2023
On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
Yes: 384 • No: 1