The House Natural Resources Committee heard H.R. 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, sponsored by Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02). This bill would require an agency, during a consultation process under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), when requested to do so, to discuss and engage with water users who have water supply contracts under federal water projects.
The legislation improves the ESA consultation process by requiring that agencies enforcing this law “inform and engage with” those who are most familiar with the water supply which would or could be affected by the proposed actions of the agency. Farmers, ranchers, irrigation districts, and rural communities often have detailed knowledge of the water source, means and methods of diversion, and how delivery systems affecting species actually work. This bill ensures that such knowledge will be taken into account as agencies implement the ESA. Additionally, the ESA process is complicated and difficult to revisit. This bill improves this process by requiring, upon request, explanations from the agencies of their analysis and conclusions early on so that new information supplied by those closest to the water can be incorporated into the agency’s work product.
“The knowledge that water users have regarding their water sources and delivery systems is invaluable, and essential to the proper application of the ESA.” said Congressman Bentz. “For too long, decisions with real, on-the-ground consequences have been made without meaningful input from the people who understand and work with these projects every day. My bill ensures that the process is more responsive to local insights, better tailored to fit within the irrigation systems where the ESA is to be applied, and ultimately, to improve the species protection process.”
“Thank you to the Subcommittee for the opportunity to testify on H.R. 8259, and to Congressman Bentz for his leadership in introducing this important legislation. This bill fills a critical gap in the Endangered Species Act consultation process by ensuring that federal water contractors, and those they serve, including farmers and ranchers, are brought to the table when federal agencies make decisions that have direct and profound impacts on their operations, livelihoods, and communities. By creating a more transparent and inclusive process, this legislation will lead to better-informed decisions and more durable outcomes. We appreciate the Subcommittee’s attention to this issue and look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this important effort.” said Elizabeth Nielsen, Klamath Water User Association.
“Western farmers and ranchers manage scarce irrigation water supplies daily yet are too often excluded from the ESA decisions that directly impact their operations. Water contractors aren’t bystanders—we’re essential partners. This legislation ensures those most affected by agency decisions have a seat at the table, bringing practical solutions and real-world expertise that can benefit both species and water reliability. Collaborative decision-making isn’t optional; it’s essential to protecting our natural resources and the agricultural communities that feed our nation.” said Samantha Barncastle, Executive Director, Family Farm Alliance
H.R. 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, applies to federal water projects managed by the Bureau of Reclamation across Western states, where water access is essential for agricultural production, local economies, and the long-term stability of rural communities.
