To direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a feasibility study on a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8113
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T08:07:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior (through the Bureau of Reclamation) to conduct a feasibility study on installing a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam. The system aims to improve hydropower generation (electricity from water flow) when releasing cold water, while preventing the spread of invasive species (non-native plants or animals that harm ecosystems). The study follows existing plans from 2016 and 2024 related to dam operations.
Key Provisions
- Study Requirements: Includes hydrological modeling (computer simulations of water flow) and consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Colorado River Storage Project power contractors (groups that buy power from the dam).
- Next Steps if Feasible: If the system is viable under federal reclamation laws (rules for managing water projects), and power contractors agree, the Secretary may start environmental compliance and construction.
- Timeline: Study must be completed within 18 months of the bill's enactment.
- Funding: Paid from existing appropriated funds (money already approved by Congress); funds are non-reimbursable (no repayment required). Sources of funds must be identified within 90 days of enactment.
- Limitations: Does not change any Colorado River reservoir operation guidelines or strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead after 2026.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new mandate for a specific feasibility study and potential construction at Glen Canyon Dam.
- No direct amendments to prior laws, but enables future infrastructure if conditions are met, building on 2016 and 2024 environmental decisions.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires action by the Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation) and coordination with the Department of Energy; uses federal funds without repayment.
- Citizens: Could enhance reliable hydropower (lower energy costs) and protect ecosystems from invasive species in the Colorado River Basin.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though Colorado River management indirectly affects U.S.-Mexico water agreements.
- Environment/Water Users: Potential for better cold-water releases, benefiting fish habitats and power output without altering broader river operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Secretary of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation), Secretary of Energy.
- Power Contractors: Colorado River Storage Project participants (utilities and entities purchasing dam-generated power).
- Local Interests: Residents, farmers, and industries in the Colorado River Basin relying on water, power, and recreation from Lake Powell/Glen Canyon.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Ties actions to existing reclamation laws and environmental records of decision (formal agency approvals), ensuring compliance; explicitly preserves post-2026 river guidelines to avoid legal challenges.
- Constitutional/Political: No major issues; standard congressional directive for executive study with consultations, promoting bipartisan water infrastructure in arid Western states. Non-reimbursable funding avoids burdening power users.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-03-26: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a feasibility study on a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-03-26 — PDF (3 pages)