WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR), introduced H.R. 8259, Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, legislation to improve transparency and ensure meaningful input from local water users in the operation of federal water projects.
The bill focuses on strengthening coordination under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), particularly during federal consultation processes that can significantly impact water deliveries to agricultural producers, municipalities, and rural communities.
Congressman Bentz said: “Water is the lifeblood of the West, and the people who rely on it deserve a voice in decisions that affect it. Too often, those decisions are made without adequate input from local contractors, irrigation districts, and the communities that depend on these projects. My legislation changes that by ensuring affected parties have a seat at the table. With greater transparency and accountability, we can follow sound science, protect species, and support strong communities at the same time.”
“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.
“We commend Congressman Bentz for this common-sense legislation. It brings long-overdue fairness and transparency to a process that has profound impacts on farmers and ranchers in federal water projects across the West. Irrigators who have invested in and sustained these projects by paying for construction, operation, and maintenance costs, regardless of water deliveries, deserve a meaningful seat at the table during ESA consultations. This legislation does not re-write the ESA; nor does it change federal authority or responsibility. Instead, it simply ensures that those most directly impacted by federal regulatory actions can review and comment on documents, and engage in constructive dialogue, on critical decisions,” said Klamath Water Users Association.
“OWRC supports this pragmatic legislation because it ensures local water managers are not just informed but actively engaged in federal decision-making—providing critical information and ensuring viable alternatives are included in consultation processes that directly impacts water delivery and the rural communities they serve. This will not only lead to better outcomes for contract holders and local economies but also cultivate more collaborative approaches to meeting ESA needs. We appreciate Congressman Bentz introducing the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act and his ongoing efforts to improve natural resources policy,” said April Snell, Executive Director, Oregon Water Resources Congress.
The Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026 would require federal agencies to:
- Provide contractors with ongoing opportunities to engage during ESA consultations
- Increase transparency around biological assessments and biological opinions
- Clearly explain the scientific and legal basis for actions that could reduce water deliveries
- Allow affected entities to review and comment on draft biological opinions
- Ensure meaningful participation when developing alternatives that impact water supply
The legislation applies to federal water projects managed by the Bureau of Reclamation across Reclamation states, where reliable water access is essential to agricultural production, local economies, and community stability.
Under current law, ESA consultations can lead to significant reductions in water deliveries with limited input from local stakeholders. This legislation addresses that gap by requiring federal agencies to actively engage with contractors throughout the consultation process.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.