H.R. 4970 · On the floor · Water Resources Development

Orland Project Water Management Act

What it does

• Amends the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 to allow the Secretary of the Interior to transfer water from the Orland Project to the Sacramento Canal Unit of the Central Valley Project at any time without regard to water year type if consistent with Central Valley Project purposes.
• Provides that water transfers under the amended statute do not constitute a new or supplemental benefit under the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982.
• Specifies that the amendment does not affect valid or vested water rights in existence before enactment or pending applications for water rights.

Latest action

Jul 16, 2026: ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Gallagher asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 4970, a bill originally introduced by Representative LaMalfa, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.

Committee: House Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee