Rep. Calvert’s Pechanga Water Rights Settlement Act Passed by Natural Resources Committee

Today, the House Natural Resources Committee approved the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Water Rights Settlement Act, H.R. 5984, which was introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42).

"I'm grateful that the Natural Resources Committee has taken action and advanced the Pechanga Water Rights Settlement Act," said Rep. Calvert. "Support continues to build for enacting a fair, equitable, and final settlement of water rights claims between Pechanga, Rancho California Water District, Eastern Municipal Water District and the United States. I look forward to passing the bill on the House floor."

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."

###