Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act
Congress would lock in federal responsibility for Yellowstone fish bypass, shielding local irrigators from costs
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress would require the Interior Department to keep full ownership, control, and all costs for the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel.
- It blocks any federal agency from shifting operation or repair duties to the local irrigation district or other non-federal groups.
- The goal is to protect endangered pallid sturgeon and other native fish while keeping irrigation water delivery in eastern Montana and western North Dakota from added burdens.
- The bill would authorize $1,000,000 each year starting in 2026 for upkeep, repairs, and improvements to keep the fish channel working.
- If the federal government tries to transfer these costs or duties anyway, affected groups could ask a federal court in Montana to stop it.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
State Impacts
Milestones
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articles
Downing, Daines Introduce Bill To Support Irrigation, Protect Montana Endangered Species
Covers the Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act and its aim to keep Bureau of Reclamation ownership, control, and financial responsibility for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel.
Daines, Downing Introduce Bill to Support Irrigation, Protect Montana Endangered Species
Announcement of the bill stating the Bureau of Reclamation would retain exclusive ownership, operational control, and financial responsibility for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel.
ICYMI: Downing, Daines Introduce Bill to Support Irrigation, Protect Montana Endangered Species
Reiterates bill details to keep Bureau of Reclamation ownership/control/costs for the Lower Yellowstone fish bypass channel and prevent shifting burdens to local irrigators.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Lower Yellowstone River Native Fish Conservation Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.