Bill Summary
This legislation mandates that the Secretary of the Interior conduct a feasibility study for a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam. The purpose of this system is to optimize hydropower generation while minimizing the risk of invasive species entering the ecosystem. The study must include hydrological modeling and should be conducted in consultation with energy officials and power contractors involved in the Colorado River Storage Project.
If the Secretary determines that the proposed system is feasible under existing reclamation laws, and with the agreement of the power contractors, the Secretary may proceed to comply with and begin construction of the selected alternative. The feasibility study must be completed within 18 months of the legislation's enactment.
Funding for the study will be provided through appropriated federal funds, which will not require repayment. Additionally, the legislation stipulates that it will not alter existing operational guidelines for Colorado River reservoirs, including Lake Powell and Lake Mead, after 2026.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the proposed legislation on the feasibility study for a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam could affect people:
1. **Local Community Impact**: The feasibility study could lead to changes in water management practices in the region. If the study concludes that a selective water withdrawal system is feasible, it may optimize water releases to improve local ecosystems and water quality. This could positively affect local residents who rely on the water for agriculture, recreation, and drinking purposes, potentially leading to enhanced quality of life and economic benefits.
2. **Energy Production and Costs**: By optimizing hydropower generation at Glen Canyon Dam, the implementation of a selective water withdrawal system may result in increased energy output. Communities and businesses that depend on electricity generated from this dam could see lower energy costs or more reliable energy supplies as a result. Conversely, if the study finds that the system is not feasible and energy production does not improve, local economies that rely on this energy source may face challenges.
3. **Environmental and Ecological Effects**: The focus on preventing the entrainment of invasive species through the selective water withdrawal system could lead to improved ecological health in the Colorado River ecosystem. This could benefit recreational users, such as fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts, by preserving native fish populations and enhancing biodiversity. However, stakeholders, such as commercial fishing industries or tourism operators, may need to adapt to changes in regulations or practices resulting from the findings of the feasibility study.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8113 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8113
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 26, 2026
Ms. Maloy (for herself and Mr. Owens) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
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.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. GLEN CANYON DAM SELECTIVE WATER WITHDRAWAL SYSTEM
FEASIBILITY STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior (acting through the
Commissioner of Reclamation) (referred to in this section as the
``Secretary''), in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and
Colorado River Storage Project power contractors, shall carry out a
feasibility study (including all hydrological modeling) on a selective
water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam to optimize hydropower
generation when releasing cold water from Glen Canyon Dam, while also
preventing entrainment of invasive species, pursuant to the 2016 Long-
Term Experimental and Management Plan Record of Decision and the 2024
Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement and Record of Decision.
(b) Feasibility Determination.--If the Secretary determines that a
selective water withdrawal system alternative studied under subsection
(a) is feasible under the reclamation laws, the Secretary may, if the
Colorado River Storage Project power contractors concur with the
alternative chosen, begin compliance with, and construction of, the
chosen alternative.
(c) Feasibility Study Deadline.--The Secretary shall complete the
feasibility study required under subsection (a) not later than 18
months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Funding.--
(1) In general.--The costs of the feasibility study under
subsection (a) shall be paid for by the Secretary using
appropriated funds.
(2) Treatment of funds.--Any Federal funds made available
to carry out this section shall be nonreimbursable and
nonreturnable to the United States.
(3) Identification of funds.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Colorado River
Storage Project power contractors, shall identify sources of
available funds to carry out this section.
(e) Effect.--Nothing in this section affects the post-2026 Colorado
River reservoir operations guidelines and strategies for Lake Powell
and Lake Mead in effect before, on, or after the date of enactment of
this Act.
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