To amend Public Law 99–338 with respect to Kaweah Project permits.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1044
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T17:08:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation amends Public Law 99-338 (a 1986 law related to permits for the Kaweah Project, a water management system in California involving reservoirs and power generation) to extend the duration of certain permits and update references to the responsible entity.
Key Provisions
- Increases the number of permit renewals allowed under the law from 3 to 7.
- Removes the specific reference to "Southern California Edison Company" as the entity associated with the project.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, as amended by Public Law 108-447 (2004), the law limited renewals to 3 and explicitly named Southern California Edison Company.
- These changes extend the potential lifespan of the permits by allowing more renewals and generalize the reference, suggesting a shift in project ownership or management away from the named company.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: May reduce administrative burden on agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation or the Department of the Interior by extending permit validity, potentially delaying the need for new approvals.
- Citizens: Could benefit local communities in California's Kaweah River area (e.g., farmers, residents) by ensuring continued stable water supply, irrigation, and hydroelectric operations without frequent disruptions.
- International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic water project with no foreign elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Current operators or owners of the Kaweah Project (no longer tied to Southern California Edison Company, possibly transferred to another entity like a public utility district).
- Federal agencies overseeing water and energy permits (e.g., Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or Bureau of Reclamation).
- Local stakeholders in Tulare County, California, including agricultural users and environmental groups reliant on the project's water management.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Simplifies permit processes under federal water law, potentially avoiding litigation over expired authorizations; no challenges to existing property rights.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it involves routine amendments to congressional authorizations for public works without affecting individual rights or federalism.
- Political: Minor bill with bipartisan potential in energy and natural resources committees; reflects ongoing management of legacy infrastructure projects, possibly influenced by regional economic needs in water-scarce areas.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3226)
- 2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1044.
- 2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3226)
- 2025-07-14: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-06-30: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 140.
- 2025-06-30: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-174.
- 2025-06-30: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-174.
- 2025-02-12: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-12: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-02-06: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-06: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- An Act To amend Public Law 99–338 with respect to Kaweah Project permits. — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (4 pages)
- To amend Public Law 99–338 with respect to Kaweah Project permits. — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (1 pages)
- An Act To amend Public Law 99–338 with respect to Kaweah Project permits. — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (2 pages)
- To amend Public Law 99–338 with respect to Kaweah Project permits. — issued 2025-06-30 — PDF (4 pages)