This bill requires action agencies and the Secretary to give water contractors and covered entities routine chances to participate in Endangered Species Act section 7 consultations when those consultations affect the operation of Reclamation water projects. It lists specific steps: contractors can provide information for and engage in development of biological assessments; they must be told if an agency action could reduce contracted water deliveries and be shown the legal and scientific basis for such an action; they are to be told schedules for biological assessments and biological opinions; they must get drafts of biological opinions and be allowed to comment; they must be able to consult on reasonable and prudent alternatives before they are finalized; and they must be informed and engaged about any reasonable and prudent alternatives or measures the Secretary proposes, including how each part would avoid jeopardy and why lower-impact alternatives are inadequate.
If you are a public water agency, irrigation district, or similar contractor that has a Bureau of Reclamation contract for municipal or agricultural water in a Reclamation State, this bill would give your entity formal rights to receive schedules, drafts, and explanations during ESA section 7 consultation and to provide information and comments.
No publicly available information.
The bill states its purpose is to ensure meaningful consultation and cooperation between federal and local entities in the operation of Reclamation State water projects. It directs agencies to recognize contractors' unique interests and to promote candid engagement.
No publicly available information.