East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, both representing Idaho, have introduced new legislation aimed at supporting aquifer recharge and water infrastructure within their state. Risch emphasized the critical nature of water resources in Idaho, stating that "the federal government should not be hampering the ability of local leaders to implement important aquifer recharge measures."

Risch further explained the intent of the legislation: "My legislation will allow the Idaho Water Resources Board to carry out critical recharge work without having to jump through unnecessary, bureaucratic hoops."

Crapo echoed the sentiment, highlighting the essential nature of water for Idaho's long-term sustainability. "Empowering the Idaho Water Resources Board with the tools they need to conduct aquifer recharge is essential to secure the long-term health and viability of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer," he said. The new legislation aims to remove what Crapo describes as "excessive federal red tape" that currently hampers the implementation of vital projects.

This move follows Risch's 2020 Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act, which was signed into law to improve state capabilities in conducting aquifer recharge using federal lands and facilities. Although this law provided public entities such as the Idaho Water Resources Board with the flexibility to use agricultural canals without additional easement authorizations, the Bureau of Land Management's interpretation has limited the law's application to the Board.

The newly introduced legislation seeks to address this by allowing the Idaho Water Resources Board to continue its recharge work effectively. Additionally, Risch has put forward a bill to extend infrastructure funding options for dams that were constructed under the Carey Act.