Summary#
This bill changes the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify how existing rights-of-way, easements, permits, or other authorizations can be used for aquifer recharge.
Key changes in the bill text:
- It says a holder may use an existing right-of-way, easement, permit, or other authorization to transport and use water for aquifer recharge without needing new authorization from the Secretary, and that this use will not be treated as an expansion, modification, major Federal action, or substantial deviation.
- It requires the holder to give the Bureau of Land Management at least 30 days notice before such use. The notice must identify who will use the authorization, which authorization will be used, details about the intended use, and a copy of the agreement between the user and the holder.
- It exempts such uses from paying additional rent to the Bureau of Land Management except for for-profit uses or for-profit entities.
- It adds language in another subsection that addresses compliance and authority, including text that waives the holder's obligation to comply with certain named environmental statutes and includes language about construction or modification of existing infrastructure.
The full bill text and sponsor information are in the provided material.