Orland Project Water Management Act
To amend the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 to facilitate the transfer of water from the Orland Project to the Central Valley Project.
This bill, HB4970, aims to update the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991 by allowing water from the Orland Project to be transferred to the Central Valley Project. This could help manage water resources more effectively, especially during droughts.
The bill would mainly affect water managers and stakeholders in the Orland and Central Valley areas. By facilitating water transfers, it could ensure more reliable water supplies for agriculture, communities, and ecosystems in the Central Valley.
As of August 15, 2025, HB4970 has been introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Recent actions include a request for Mr. Gallagher to take on cosponsorship and the holding of subcommittee hearings on September 3, 2025.