Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)
Orland Project Water Management Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Gallagher asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 4970, a bill originally introduced by Representative LaMalfa, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Orland Project Water Management Act. It proposes a change to the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991. The bill allows the Secretary to make water available from the Orland Project to the Sacramento Canal Unit of the Central Valley Project. This transfer can happen at any time and without regard to water year type if the Secretary determines it is consistent with Central Valley Project purposes. The request for this water must come from the Orland Unit Water Users Association. The bill also includes rules of construction to protect existing water rights and prevent new benefits or redirected impacts.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +5
Would farmers be better off under this?
Farmers and agricultural water users benefit directly from enhanced water transfer capabilities during dry conditions.
- Scored +4
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Rural communities reliant on the Orland Project and Central Valley Project benefit from better water resource management.
- Scored +4
Does this invest in rural communities?
The legislation improves water management flexibility and support for agricultural water users in rural California.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2 allows the Secretary to provide water from the Orland Project to the Sacramento Canal Unit of the Central Valley Project at any time when requested by the Orland Unit Water Users Association. This could help move water where it is needed if the Secretary finds it fits the purposes of the Central Valley Project.
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Section 2 ensures that the changes will not affect any valid or vested water rights that already exist as of the enactment date. This protects current water rights holders from losing their established access.
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Section 2 clarifies that the changes will not affect any water rights applications that are pending before the date of enactment. This protects people who are currently waiting on pending applications.
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Section 2 states that the temporary water supply contracts will not result in any redirected impacts to the Orland Project. This protects the Orland Project from unexpected negative consequences due to the water transfers.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not mention any specific potential negative impacts or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers and agricultural water users benefit directly from enhanced water transfer capabilities during dry conditions. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural communities reliant on the Orland Project and Central Valley Project benefit from better water resource management. Would business owners be better off under this? — Agricultural business owners benefit from improved water availability and management flexibility.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The legislation improves water management flexibility and support for agricultural water users in rural California.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill facilitates water transfers that can assist agricultural businesses and water users in the region.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the Secretary additional authority to manage and transfer water resources.
- 7/16/2026
- ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Gallagher asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 4970, a bill originally introduced by Representative LaMalfa, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
- 9/3/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 8/29/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 8/15/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House