Lawmakers introduce bill to expand clean water access in tribal communities

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper and Martin Heinrich, along with U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse and Gwen Moore, introduced the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act on July 14 to expand water infrastructure in tribal communities, according to a press release from Sen. Bennet’s office. The bill would increase funding for the Indian Health Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Reclamation to support projects that improve access to clean drinking water and sanitation.

“An estimated 48 percent of homes on tribal lands lack access to clean drinking water or sanitation services,” Moore was quoted as saying. Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Manuel Heart said the bill’s investment in technical assistance and operations is essential for tribal water governance. The National Tribal Water Council and Native American Rights Fund also expressed support for the legislation.