§618m Effect on Existing Laws and States’ Rights

Summary

Protects the rights states had on July 19, 1940, to the water inside their borders and to make laws and rules about how that water is used, unless the Colorado River compact or another agreement between states says otherwise. Any fees, or the way fees are set, under this subchapter do not reduce or harm a State’s rights to waters of the Colorado River system under the Colorado River compact. Sections 13(b), 13(c), and 13(d) of the Project Act [43 U.S.C. 617l(b), (c), and (d)] and other parts of that Project Act [43 U.S.C. 617 et seq.] that do not conflict with this subchapter stay in effect.