The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened a legislative hearing to review five bills focused on water infrastructure, wildlife management, and support for local communities. The hearing addressed measures to maintain the operational status of the Lower Snake River dams, increase oversight in managing the Mexican wolf population, and reauthorize programs aiding coastal areas and fishermen.
Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) stated: “The Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee considers bills that reflect the importance of protecting our natural resources while also ensuring federal policy supports, rather than hinders, the livelihoods of the people who depend on them. These bills would safeguard critical hydropower infrastructure, restore accountability in wildlife management, support coastal communities, and strengthen water security. We are taking measures to preserve both our environment and our way of life. I look forward to continuing to advance solutions to balance conservation with the needs of the communities we represent.”
Among the proposed legislation is H.R. 2073—the Defending our Dams Act—introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), which would prevent federal funding from being used for breaching or altering the Lower Snake River dams or providing technical assistance for their removal.
H.R. 4255—the Enhancing Safety for Animals Act of 2025—was introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.). This bill seeks to remove the Mexican wolf from Endangered Species Act protections, overturn specific U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rules from 2015 and 2022, and restrict future consideration of the species’ status in Mexico during recovery planning if relisting occurs.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) presented H.R. 4970—the Orland Project Water Management Act—which aims to amend current law so that surplus water from the Orland Project can be transferred more easily to California’s Central Valley Project.
Additionally under review was H.R. 3692 from Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), which proposes an extension through fiscal year 2031 for programs supporting young fishermen with existing guidelines intact.
Lastly, H.R. 4256—the Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025—introduced by Rep. Dave Min (D-Calif.), would extend authorization for an online platform offering data tools and training designed to help coastal communities make informed decisions about resource management.
For further details about these legislative efforts and their implications for water infrastructure and community support programs visit https://naturalresources.house.gov/.
