The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 has been reintroduced to address Arizona's long-standing water dispute. Led by Senator Mark Kelly and other Arizona lawmakers, the bipartisan initiative aims to ratify and fund a settlement that will confirm water rights for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, seeking to resolve one of the state's longest-running water rights issues, according to the Office of the Arizona Senator.
Legislation supported by Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, and Representatives Juan Ciscomani, Greg Stanton, David Schweikert, Raúl Grijalva, and Yassamin Ansari proposes a $5.1 billion investment for water development and distribution projects. The plan includes a pipeline to provide over 56,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water for the involved tribes and protections for groundwater rights. It also requires the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe to keep 17,050 acre-feet of Arizona Upper Basin water in Lake Powell each year for the next two decades. Senator Kelly stated, "This is a historic moment for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe." Senator Gallego noted, "For countless generations, Arizona’s tribes have been caretakers of the Colorado River." Representative Ciscomani emphasized, "With this historic legislation, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe will finally get the security and stability they deserve," as stated by the Office of the Arizona Senator.
Representative Schweikert shared his experience of hauling water on the Navajo Nation, stating, "The first-hand experience of hauling water with my friend, Navajo Nation President Buu Van Nygren, has strengthened our resolve." Arizona's congressional delegation and Governor Katie Hobbs support the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act, with the expectation of Congressional approval. Tribal leaders, including Navajo Nation President Nygren and Speaker Crystalyne Curley, emphasized the bill's importance for daily life and health. San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe leaders, Carlene Yellowhair and Johnny Lehi, Jr., described the legislation as essential for basic human rights and future opportunities, as reported by the Office of the Arizona Senator.
