hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Directs a study on Glen Canyon Dam water withdrawal for power and invasive species.
Reps. Maloy (R-UT) and Owens (R-UT) introduced this bill.
Introduced in the House, awaiting committee review.
This bill, H.R. 8113, directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study on adding a "selective water withdrawal system" to Glen Canyon Dam. The goal is to improve electricity generation and prevent invasive species from spreading in the Colorado River. The study must be completed within 18 months and is funded by federal appropriations. The sponsors, Representatives Maloy and Owens, are Republicans from Utah, and the bill has been sent to the House Committee on Natural Resources for consideration.
Introduced Mar 26, 2026
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 26, 2026. It has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for review. For the bill to advance, the committee must approve it, possibly with changes, before it can be voted on by the full House. If passed by the House, it would then move to the Senate for their consideration and vote before potentially becoming law.
If this bill becomes law, federal funds will be used to conduct a study on a new water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam. This study could lead to changes in how water is released, potentially making the dam's hydropower generation more efficient. It also aims to improve environmental protection by better controlling invasive species in the Colorado River system, which could benefit the ecosystem and water quality.
Supporters Say
Proponents suggest the study could lead to improved clean energy production and better environmental management in the Colorado River.
Critics Say
Critics might argue the study represents an additional cost to taxpayers without addressing the broader, complex issues of water scarcity in the region.
Supporters highlight the potential for optimizing existing dam infrastructure for better power generation while also tackling environmental challenges like invasive species. They may see this as a practical, data-driven step towards responsible resource management. Opponents, however, might question the prioritization of this specific study given the larger water allocation challenges facing the Colorado River basin, suggesting federal funds might be better spent on other solutions.