N.M. Delegation Announces Water Rights Bill for Zuni Tribe

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) introduced the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act, during a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) cosponsored the legislation.

The bicameral Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act authorizes $685 million in federal funding to support a trust for sustainable water management and infrastructure development that upholds the federal government's trust responsibility while protecting the sacred Zuni Salt Lake. The bill ratifies the settlement between the Federal Government, State of New Mexico and Zuni Tribe that affirms their water rights for irrigation, livestock, storage, and domestic and other uses.

"By approving this negotiated water settlement, we can finally unlock critical water infrastructure funding and resources that will allow the Zuni Tribe to access and use the water they own," said Heinrich. "I am committed to finding a path forward for this legislation and the other Tribal water settlement bills that I am leading this Congress. Especially as we confront the impacts of climate change on our water supplies, these water settlements are absolutely essential to deliver long-term water security to Tribes and all of our communities in New Mexico."

"I will always advocate for our Tribal communities in Congress. I'm proud to work with the delegation on this settlement to provide essential resources to support the Zuni's water infrastructure, protect Zuni Salt Lake and uphold their sovereignty. This bill is a meaningful step toward honoring our commitments to Zuni Tribe and ensuring all New Mexicans have access to safe water," said Vasquez. "This settlement helps resolve long-standing water rights issues and provides Zuni Tribe with the resources necessary for vital water infrastructure projects for generations to come."

"I am proud to stand with the New Mexico Delegation in championing the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act. This bill represents a significant advancement toward securing safe drinking water for Zuni Pueblo and upholding Tribal sovereignty," said Luján, member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. "I am committed to ensuring access to clean water and honoring Tribal sovereignty in Congress."

"Water is life in New Mexico, and the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act will ensure everyone has access to critical water resources," said Stansbury. "The $685 million in federal funding will protect the Zuni Salt Lake and ensure support for sustainable water practices. This bill is one more step in our recommitment to the promises and treaties between the United States and Tribal Nations. I am proud to support it."

"In New Mexico, we say agua es vida - water is life. But water is also key to tribal sovereignty. As an original co-sponsor of this settlement, which provides $685 million to support the Zuni's water infrastructure, protects Zuni Salt Lake and upholds their sovereignty, I am working to secure Zuni Pueblo's water rights and infrastructure alongside my New Mexico Delegation colleagues," said Leger Fernández.

Vasquez and Governor Arden Kucate of Zuni Tribe testified at a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee to advocate for the immediate passage of the bill to ensure safe water and sovereignty for the Tribe.

The New Mexico Delegation is proud to advocate for Indian Country.

The text of the bill is here.

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