SW Arkansas Times

The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries recently held a legislative hearing to discuss four bills aimed at addressing drought in the West and reauthorizing a key conservation program. Harriet Hageman, Chair of the Subcommittee, expressed her commitment to guiding discussions on issues impacting communities and resources.

“Today, I convened the first hearing as Chair of the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries to consider vital legislation, such as my bill extending the System Conservation Pilot Program," Hageman stated. "It’s a privilege to guide discussions on issues that directly impact our communities and resources. I want to thank the witnesses for their invaluable insights and to my colleagues on their commitment to create solutions for the American people.”

Among the bills discussed was H.R. 231, known as the Colorado River Basin System Conservation Extension Act of 2025. Introduced by Representative Hageman herself, this bill aims to extend the Colorado River Basin Conservation Pilot Program through fiscal year 2026.

Another piece of legislation under consideration was H.R. 261, or the Undersea Cable Protection Act. This bill, introduced by Representative Buddy Carter from Georgia, seeks to prevent additional permitting requirements for fiber optic cable projects already authorized within National Marine Sanctuaries.

H.R. 331 was also part of the discussion. Introduced by Representative Russ Fulcher, it proposes amendments to streamline processes related to aquifer recharge projects across federal lands under the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act.

Lastly, H.R. 635—the WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act—was introduced by Representative Melanie Stansbury from New Mexico. This act would allow reduced or waived cost-share requirements for tribal governments under Reclamation’s WaterSMART program.