A bill to amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes.
Latest action (30 Sep 2026): Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
What this bill does
This bill, S. 1254, would amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify how existing authorizations, such as rights-of-way or easements, can be used for aquifer recharge purposes. Specifically, it aims to allow holders of these authorizations to use them for transporting and using water for aquifer recharge without needing new authorization from the Secretary, as long as the use does not expand or modify the original operation. The bill also includes provisions for notice requirements before such use, and exempts certain entities and uses from paying additional rent.
The bill primarily affects entities authorized to hold rights-of-way, easements, or permits related to water transport and use. It would allow states, political subdivisions, Indian Tribes, and public entities to use these existing authorizations for aquifer recharge, provided they meet specific notice and agreement requirements. It also outlines exemptions from certain environmental laws like the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Endangered Species Act for these uses.
S. 1254 was introduced in the Senate on April 2, 2025, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The committee has ordered the bill to be reported with an amendment, meaning it has advanced from its initial referral stage and will move forward in the legislative process for further consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on September 30, 2026.
Timeline
30 Sep 2026
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 1254 do?
- This bill, S. 1254, would amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify how existing authorizations, such as rights-of-way or easements, can be used for aquifer recharge purposes. Specifically, it aims to allow holders of these authorizations to use them for transporting and using water for aquifer recharge without needing new authorization from the Secretary, as long as the use does not expand or modify the original operation. The bill also includes provisions for notice requirements before such use, and exempts certain entities and uses from paying additional rent. The bill primarily affects entities authorized to hold rights-of-way, easements, or permits related to water transport and use. It would allow states, political subdivisions, Indian Tribes, and public entities to use these existing authorizations for aquifer recharge, provided they meet specific notice and agreement requirements. It also outlines exemptions from certain environmental laws like the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Endangered Species Act for these uses. S. 1254 was introduced in the Senate on April 2, 2025, and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The committee has ordered the bill to be reported with an amendment, meaning it has advanced from its initial referral stage and will move forward in the legislative process for further consideration.
- Has S. 1254 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Sep 2026, S. 1254 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 1254?
- S. 1254 was sponsored by Sen. James Risch [R-ID] (Republican-ID), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1254?
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (30 Sep 2026).
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