Rep. Calvert Introduces the Pechanga Water Rights Settlement Act

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) introduced the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Water Rights Settlement Act, H.R.2508. Rep. Calvert was joined by a bipartisan list of lawmakers who co-sponsored the legislation including Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Rep. Paul Cook (R-CA), Rep. David Valadao (R-CA), Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK), Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Rep. Kildee (D-MI). California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

"This piece of legislation strikes an important balance for the purpose of achieving a fair, equitable, and final settlement of claims to water rights in the State of California 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. "This Settlement is a result of decades of litigation and the parties have dedicated countless hours of deliberation into the terms of this Settlement. I am proud to be participating in the process to bring this Settlement to fruition. I look forward to assisting the parties in moving this Settlement over the next hurdle – Congressional passage."

Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro said, "Generations of Pechanga leaders have endeavored to secure our access to this important resource and there is nothing more important to the future of our tribe. This Settlement will finally secure a permanent source of water for our tribal members for generations to come, while ending the costly and protracted litigation process. We are thankful for Rep. Calvert's leadership on this bill and we look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to bring this next and final chapter to a close."

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."

Press Contacts:

For Congressman Calvert:
Jason Gagnon: (951) 277-0042 or Jason.Gagnon@mail.house.gov

For the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians:
Jacob Mejia: (951) 675-0586 or jmejia@pechanga-pdc.com