Rep. Calvert Introduces the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Water Rights Settlement Act

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) introduced the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Water Rights Settlement Act, H.R. 5984.

"The Pechanga Water Rights Settlement Act achieves a fair, equitable, and final settlement of water rights claims between Pechanga, Rancho California Water District, Eastern Municipal Water District and the United States for the benefit of the Tribe and the citizens of California," said Rep. Calvert. "The settlement comes after decades of litigation and collaborative deliberation by the parties involved. I am proud to be participating in the process to bring a final solution to a long standing issue. I look forward to moving the bill through the House in the near future."

The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians Water Rights Settlement Act quantifies the Band's reserved water rights in the Santa Margarita River Watershed. The legislation also authorizes necessary infrastructure to guarantee a permanent supply of water to the Band through cooperative agreements with the local water purveyors, including Rancho California Water District, Eastern Municipal Water District and Metropolitan Water District. Importantly, the legislation will provide a coordinated effort by the parties to manage the water within the basin that will bring all residents of the Pechanga Reservation a safe and dependable water supply for the future.

The authority for Congress to legislatively settle Pechanga's water rights resides in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the Constitution, which grants Congress with the power "to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes."

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