WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 831

Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Ken Calvert and 5 co-sponsors

HR 831 establishes an interest-bearing fund for non-federal contributions to enhance conservation efforts for native fish and migratory birds along the Colorado River.

Received in the Senate.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 831

Summary of HR 831: Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025

Overview

The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 (HR 831) aims to establish an interest-bearing account for non-federal contributions to the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCRMSCP). This legislation is designed to enhance the financial management of the program, which focuses on the conservation of native fish populations and the habitat for migratory birds along the Colorado River.

Key Provisions

  1. Establishment of an Interest-Bearing Fund:

    • The bill amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to create a Non-Federal Funding Account within the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
    • This account will hold unexpended non-federal contributions, allowing these funds to earn interest.

  2. Definitions:

    • Non-Federal Contribution: Refers to funds contributed by state parties for their share of the program costs.
    • State Party: Defined as entities participating in the LCRMSCP as outlined in the original agreement.

  3. Deposits and Expenditures:

    • The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for depositing both past and future non-federal contributions into the fund.
    • Funds will be available for expenditure without further appropriation, as per the program's guidelines.

  4. Investment of Funds:

    • The Secretary of the Treasury may invest portions of the fund in interest-bearing obligations of the United States, potentially generating additional revenue.

  5. Transfer of Funds:

    • The bill mandates that previously contributed funds be transferred to the new account within 90 days of enactment.

Purpose and Need

The LCRMSCP was authorized in 2009 with a budget of $626 million over 50 years, with a federal-state funding split. Currently, the program has $60 million available, but funding has outpaced project implementation. By allowing non-federal contributions to be placed in an interest-bearing account, the bill aims to generate approximately $2 million annually, alleviating financial burdens on the lower basin states.

Impact

  • Beneficiaries: The legislation primarily affects the three lower Colorado River Basin states—California, Arizona, and Nevada—by providing a mechanism to manage their contributions more effectively.
  • Environmental Impact: The program's focus on conserving native species and habitats will continue to benefit local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 31, 2025
  • Reported (Amended): September 15, 2025
  • Committee Consideration: July 15, 2025
  • Placed on Union Calendar: September 15, 2025

Sponsors

  • Primary Sponsor: Ken Calvert (R-CA)
  • Cosponsors: Greg Stanton, Susie Lee, Juan Ciscomani, Dina Titus, Steven Horsford

Related Legislation

  • S 291: Companion bill in the Senate.

This summary provides a clear understanding of HR 831, its objectives, and its potential implications for conservation efforts along the Colorado River.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.