Rural Water Security Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7631
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-03T08:08:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Rural Water Security Act (H.R. 7631) aims to expand federal support for rural water infrastructure by adding Colorado to an existing program that assists western states with water supply projects. This helps address water needs in rural areas facing shortages or infrastructure challenges.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is officially named the "Rural Water Security Act."
- Amendments to Existing Law: It modifies Section 595 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 (a law that funds water-related projects):
- Adds "Colorado" to the list of eligible states in subsection (b), before "Arizona."
- Adds "Colorado" to the list in subsection (c)(1), before "Arizona."
- Adds "Colorado" to the list in subsection (i)(1), before "Idaho."
- These changes incorporate Colorado into the "western rural water supply program," which provides federal assistance for planning, constructing, and operating rural water systems.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The primary change is the inclusion of Colorado as an eligible state in the western rural water program, which previously covered states like Arizona, Idaho, and others but excluded Colorado.
- No new programs or funding mechanisms are created; it simply extends eligibility to Colorado without altering the program's overall structure, funding levels, or operational rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Rural residents in Colorado could gain access to federal grants or loans for water projects, improving water security, reliability, and quality in underserved areas (e.g., for drinking water, irrigation, or drought mitigation).
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (which administers the program) may see increased project applications from Colorado, potentially requiring more administrative resources but without new mandates for funding.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the program focuses on domestic U.S. water infrastructure.
- Overall, the bill could enhance water resilience in the western U.S., particularly amid ongoing drought concerns, but effects depend on future appropriations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rural Communities and Water Users in Colorado: Primary beneficiaries, including farmers, small towns, and tribal entities needing affordable water infrastructure.
- State and Local Governments in Colorado: Gain eligibility to partner with federal agencies on projects.
- Federal Agencies: Such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which would handle expanded program implementation.
- Western States' Water Interests: Other participating states (e.g., Arizona, Idaho) may experience indirect effects if resources are reallocated, though the bill does not specify limits.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a minor, technical amendment to an established federal water program, requiring no new regulations or court challenges. It aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate water resources.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it promotes equal treatment of states without infringing on individual rights or federalism principles.
- Political: Introduced by a bipartisan group of Colorado representatives, it reflects regional priorities for water equity in the arid West. Passage could set a precedent for including additional states in similar programs, potentially influencing future water policy debates amid climate change pressures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-21: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2026-02-20: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Rural Water Security Act — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (2 pages)