Bills · HR 331
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 331Land use and conservationWater use and supply
To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.
INTRO JAN 13· LAST ACTION MAY 14
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to make it easier and faster to replenish underground water supplies, which are crucial for drinking water, agriculture, and environmental health, especially in areas facing drought or water scarcity. Groundwater is a vital resource, and recharging aquifers helps build resilience against climate change and secures future water availability.
If this bill becomes law, it could accelerate aquifer recharge projects by cutting down on bureaucratic hurdles and potentially reducing costs, as new, time-consuming federal authorizations would not be required for every such project. If it doesn't become law, entities might continue to face lengthy approval processes for using existing infrastructure for aquifer recharge, potentially slowing down critical water conservation efforts.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows holders of existing water rights-of-way on federal land to use them for aquifer recharge without needing additional authorization from the Secretary of the Interior.
This provision significantly streamlines the process for implementing aquifer recharge projects by removing a major bureaucratic hurdle.
PROVISION 02
Permits holders to conduct aquifer recharge activities on behalf of a State, political subdivision of a State, Indian Tribe, or public entity.
This expands the scope of who can benefit from the streamlined process, fostering collaboration between private entities and public water managers.
PROVISION 03
Requires a notice to be submitted to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at least 30 days before using an existing right-of-way for aquifer recharge.
This establishes a new, mandatory reporting requirement for these activities, ensuring federal oversight and awareness of recharge efforts.
PROVISION 04
Specifies that using existing infrastructure for aquifer recharge will not be considered an expansion, modification, or substantial deviation requiring new authorization.
This clarifies the scope of permitted activities, reducing uncertainty and potential challenges to aquifer recharge projects.
PROVISION 05
Clarifies that the act does not waive compliance with other Federal laws or BLM policies, nor does it provide authority to construct or expand infrastructure.
This ensures that environmental protections and existing regulations remain in effect, addressing potential concerns about unchecked development.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Idaho
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
19
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
16 EVENTSMAY 14
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
MAY 13
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
MAY 13
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1969-1970)
MAY 13
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 331.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 331
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedJan 13, 2025
Last actionMay 14, 2025
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2025
House BillHR 331Land use and conservationWater use and supply
To amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.
INTRODUCED JAN 13, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 14, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
