2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in ENGROSSED IN SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Jan 21, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The engrossed version (v2) reflects the bill's passage in the Senate, adding procedural attestations and minor formatting adjustments. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill.

S. 154119th CongressIntroduced Jan 21, 2025

Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act

Passed SenateWater Resources DevelopmentSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Jun 23, 2025

Bottom line

S. 154 extends a critical water conservation pilot program in the Colorado River Basin for an additional two years, aiming to support ongoing efforts to manage water resources in the face of drought and increasing demand.

What it actually does

This bill extends the authorization for the Colorado River System conservation pilot program by two years, moving its expiration date from 2024 to 2026, and similarly extends the availability of funds for the program from 2025 to 2027. It also includes a technical amendment to clarify a reference within the original authorizing legislation. The program supports voluntary water conservation efforts across the Colorado River Basin.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that extending the Colorado River System conservation pilot program is essential for continuing vital water conservation efforts in a basin facing severe drought and increasing demand. They contend that the program has been effective in promoting voluntary conservation and providing flexibility to water users, and its continuation is necessary to ensure long-term water security and stability for the millions of people and vast agricultural lands dependent on the Colorado River.

Opponents contend

Opponents, if any, might argue against the extension on grounds of fiscal responsibility, questioning the effectiveness or cost-efficiency of the pilot program compared to other water management strategies. They might also suggest that the program's voluntary nature does not go far enough to address the systemic challenges of water scarcity, advocating for more comprehensive or mandatory solutions.

The bill is extremely short and straightforward, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its direct impact quickly.

Section 2(1)

Technical Correction to Act Reference

buried in fine printstraightforward

This provision amends subsection (b)(2) of the original 2015 Act that established the conservation program. It replaces the phrase 'this Act' with 'the Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act.' This is a technical change designed to ensure that the reference within the original legislation correctly points to the specific extension act, thereby clarifying the legislative intent and scope of the program's authority.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupLegal practitioners and administrators of the Colorado River System conservation pilot programImpactClarifies legal language and reduces potential ambiguity in statutory interpretation.MechanismDirect textual amendment.ScaleMinor, administrative.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this technical amendment improves the clarity and precision of the statutory language, preventing potential misinterpretations regarding the scope and authority of the conservation program. It ensures that future references accurately reflect the legislative intent.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against technical corrections of this nature, as they are generally considered non-controversial and beneficial for legislative clarity.

Tradeoffs

There are no significant tradeoffs or tensions associated with a technical correction that improves statutory clarity.

Section 2(2) and 2(3)

Reauthorization and Funding Extension for Colorado River System Conservation Pilot Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision extends the Colorado River System conservation pilot program. Specifically, it changes the program's authorization end date from 2024 to 2026 and the availability of funds for the program from 2025 to 2027. This grants an additional two years for the program to operate and utilize allocated resources, allowing ongoing voluntary water conservation projects in the Colorado River Basin to continue without interruption.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.