Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 291
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to create a dedicated, interest-bearing account in the U.S. Treasury for non-Federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. This program focuses on protecting multiple plant and animal species in the Lower Colorado River region through habitat conservation and related efforts, as outlined in a 2005 funding and management agreement. The goal is to improve the management and growth of these funds to support the program's ongoing activities.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Agreement" refers to the 2005 "Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Funding and Management Agreement."
- "Fund" is the new "Non-Federal Funding Account for the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program."
- "Non-Federal contribution" means funds provided by state parties (non-government entities) to cover their share of program costs, as specified in the Agreement.
- "State party" is defined in the Agreement (typically including states like California, Arizona, and Nevada involved in the program).
- Establishment of the Fund: A new account is created in the U.S. Treasury, including:
- Deposits of unexpended non-Federal contributions made before or after the bill's enactment.
- Interest earned from investing the funds.
- Deposits and Availability:
- The Secretary of the Treasury must deposit these contributions into the Fund.
- Funds and interest are available to the Secretary (likely of the Interior, overseeing the program) without needing additional congressional approval (appropriation), for use according to the program's documents and this law.
- Investment:
- The Secretary of the Treasury can invest excess funds (not needed immediately) only in safe, interest-bearing U.S. government obligations (like Treasury bonds).
- Transfers:
- Previously contributed unexpended funds must be transferred from the general Treasury fund to the new Fund within 90 days of enactment.
- Future contributions are transferred as soon as possible after receipt.
- State parties are not liable for any losses from investments in the Fund.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 9402 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 by adding a new subsection (c). Previously, non-Federal contributions to the program were not held in a dedicated interest-bearing account, potentially limiting their growth and flexibility. The changes introduce:
- A specific Treasury fund for these contributions, allowing interest accrual through U.S. investments.
- Automatic availability of funds without further appropriations, streamlining expenditures for program needs.
- Protection for state parties from investment risks, encouraging continued contributions.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of the Interior (via the Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the program) gains easier access to growing funds for conservation projects, such as habitat restoration and species protection along the Lower Colorado River. The Treasury Department handles investments, potentially increasing efficiency in federal fund management.
- On Citizens: Residents in the southwestern U.S. (especially in arid regions dependent on the Colorado River for water) may benefit indirectly from enhanced environmental protection, which supports water supply reliability, wildlife, and recreation. It could help mitigate drought and ecological issues affecting communities.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the program involves water sharing with Mexico under the 1944 Water Treaty; better-funded conservation could aid compliance with international obligations for river ecosystem health.
- Overall, the bill could expand resources for the program, potentially accelerating multi-species conservation efforts without increasing federal spending.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State Parties: Primarily California, Arizona, and Nevada, which contribute non-Federal funds and benefit from protected investments and reduced liability.
- Federal Government: U.S. Departments of the Interior and Treasury, responsible for program implementation, fund management, and investments.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations focused on wildlife and habitat protection in the Colorado River Basin, which rely on the program for species recovery (e.g., endangered fish, birds, and plants).
- Water Users and Local Communities: Farmers, urban water districts, and Indigenous tribes in the region, who depend on stable river management for agriculture, drinking water, and economic activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill ensures compliance with the 2005 Agreement by formalizing fund handling, reducing administrative hurdles. It avoids new spending by repurposing existing contributions, aligning with fiscal responsibility laws. No challenges to contract rights for state parties, as it shields them from investment losses.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; it involves standard congressional authority over federal funds and Treasury operations under Article I (spending power). The lack of appropriation requirement is permissible for dedicated trust-like funds.
- Political: As a bipartisan effort (introduced by senators from affected states), it promotes regional cooperation on water and environmental issues amid climate challenges. It could set a precedent for similar interest-bearing accounts in other conservation programs, potentially influencing future environmental funding debates without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 2025-01-29: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S482)
- 2025-01-29: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 — issued 2025-01-29 — PDF (5 pages)