A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- S. 4014
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Native Americans
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T01:02:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, S. 4014, aims to transfer ownership of specific infrastructure at the Clear Creek Hatchery from the U.S. federal government to the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The hatchery supports fish management and conservation efforts, and the transfer allows the Tribe to manage these assets directly.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- Clear Creek Hatchery: The area shown on specified maps, including upper and lower sites.
- Covered Infrastructure: A detailed list of physical assets, such as asphalt ponds (e.g., #11, #13), springs, dams, fish ladders, incubation rooms, raceways (channels for fish), forebays (water collection areas), wells, pipes, conduits, security fences, and roads—all as depicted on the covered maps.
- Covered Maps: Two specific maps dated December 3, 2024, titled "Nisqually Indian Tribe Clear Creek Hatchery Lower Site" and "Upper Site."
- Secretary: The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the federal agency overseeing fish and wildlife resources.
- Conveyance Requirement: The Secretary must transfer all U.S. right, title, and interest in the covered infrastructure to the Nisqually Indian Tribe within 90 days of the bill's enactment.
- Conveyance Terms:
- The transfer is free (no payment required from the Tribe).
- It is subject to any valid existing rights (e.g., pre-existing legal claims or easements remain in place).
- Map and Legal Description:
- The Secretary must finalize a map and legal description of the assets as soon as possible after enactment.
- If there's a conflict between the map and description, the map takes precedence.
- Minor errors can be corrected by mutual agreement between the Secretary and the Tribe.
- These documents will be publicly available at USFWS offices.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces a one-time transfer of federal property to tribal ownership, shifting control of hatchery infrastructure from USFWS management to the Tribe.
- It does not amend broader laws on federal-tribal relations or fish hatchery operations but creates a specific exception for this asset, bypassing standard federal disposal processes under laws like the Federal Property Act.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The USFWS will lose direct control over the infrastructure, potentially reducing federal operational costs but requiring coordination on any ongoing federal responsibilities (e.g., environmental compliance). This could streamline tribal-led conservation in the Pacific Northwest.
- Citizens: Local communities, anglers, and environmental groups may see improved fish habitat management by the Tribe, benefiting regional salmon populations and fisheries. No direct impact on individual citizens' rights, but indirect effects on water use and wildlife in Washington State.
- International Relations: None apparent; this is a domestic matter focused on U.S. tribal lands and resources.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Nisqually Indian Tribe: Primary beneficiary, gaining ownership to support tribal fishing rights, cultural practices, and resource management.
- U.S. Department of the Interior and USFWS: Responsible for executing the transfer and maintaining public access to related documents.
- Local and Regional Interests: Washington State residents, environmental organizations, and possibly other tribes or fishing stakeholders who rely on the hatchery for salmon restoration efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces federal trust responsibilities to tribes (a legal duty to protect tribal resources), potentially setting a precedent for similar asset transfers without compensation. The "valid existing rights" clause preserves third-party interests, avoiding legal challenges.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's plenary power over Indian affairs under the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8), supporting tribal sovereignty by devolving control of reservation-adjacent assets.
- Political: Promotes bipartisan support for tribal self-determination in environmental management, as introduced by Senators from Washington State; could influence future legislation on federal-tribal land transfers amid ongoing debates on indigenous rights and conservation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-05: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 2026-03-05: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-03-05 — PDF (5 pages)