S.Amdt. 4534

SA 4534, submitted by Mr. Wyden, proposes to add a new title to bill S. 1383 called the "Watershed Results Act."

The purpose of this amendment is to create a framework for watershed outcomes projects in Reclamation States. It aims to use advance watershed analytics to identify and fund conservation projects (called qualifying activities) that cost-effectively improve watershed health.

The amendment adds the following to the bill:

• Project Implementation: It directs the Secretary of the Interior to solicit proposals from eligible entities (such as States, Indian Tribes, or nongovernmental entities) to act as watershed partners.
• Pay-for-Performance: It establishes a system of pay-for-performance contracts, where payments are made based on verified outcomes, such as increasing surface or groundwater, improving aquatic habitat, or improving water quality.
• Financial Framework: It sets the Federal share of project costs at no more than 75 percent and authorizes $17,000,000 in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031.
• Limits and Oversight: It limits the program to a maximum of 5 watershed outcomes projects and requires the Secretary to provide annual briefings and a 5-year report to the appropriate committees of Congress.
• Data Protection: It designates data collected for advance watershed analytics as confidential commercial information exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.