What does Preamble of Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To ensure meaningful consultation and cooperation between Federal and local entities in the operation of Federal water projects in the Reclamation States, and for other purposes,' aims to improve collaboration between federal and local entities regarding federal water projects in Reclamation States.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026.

What does CONSULTATION WITH AFFECTED CONTRACTORS OF FEDERAL WATER of Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines consultation requirements for affected contractors of Federal water projects under the Endangered Species Act. It mandates that action agencies ensure covered entities requesting consultation have opportunities to discuss and submit information during biological assessment development. If an action agency considers limiting water delivery, contractors must be informed and engaged regarding the legal authority, rationale, and scientific data supporting the action. Contractors are entitled to be informed of schedules for biological assessment and opinion preparation. They have the right to review draft biological opinions and provide comments. Contractors can confer on reasonable and prudent alternatives prior to their identification. If a reasonable and prudent alternative is suggested, contractors must be informed of its components and the reasons why other alternatives with fewer impacts are inadequate. Similarly, if reasonable and prudent measures are proposed to avoid or minimize take, contractors must be informed and engaged regarding their relation to avoiding take and their conformity to limitations.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The term 'action agency' refers to the Federal agency responsible for actions subject to consultation under the Endangered Species Act. The definition of 'agency action' is derived from section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act. A 'biological assessment' is defined as one conducted under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act. A 'biological opinion' is a written statement provided by the Secretary under section 7(b)(3) of the Endangered Species Act. The term 'contractor' includes entities with water service contracts related to Federal water projects. A 'covered entity' is a public or quasi-municipal agency or water users association with a contract for water supply from a Federal water project with the Bureau of Reclamation. Terms like 'critical habitat,' 'endangered species,' 'take,' and 'threatened species' are defined according to section 3 of the Endangered Species Act. The term 'engage' means conducting direct written and in-person communications. A 'Federal water project' is defined as a project in a Reclamation State operated for municipal or agricultural water supply.

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Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/29/2026 · Introduced: 4/14/2026

Author: Cliff Bentz (R-OR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires federal agencies to provide affected water contractors with opportunities to discuss and submit information during the development of biological assessments related to endangered species.
The bill mandates that contractors be informed and engaged when federal agencies consider limiting water deliveries, including receiving information on the legal authority, rationale, and scientific data supporting the action.
It establishes requirements for federal agencies to communicate with contractors regarding reasonable and prudent alternatives and measures proposed to avoid or minimize impacts on endangered species.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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