January 29, 2026
Mr. Lee introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
To direct the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a feasibility study on a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Glen Canyon Dam selective water withdrawal system feasibility study
(a) In general
The Secretary of the Interior (acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation) (referred to in this section as the Secretary
), in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Colorado River Storage Project power contractors, shall carry out a feasibility study (including all hydrological modeling) on a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam to optimize hydropower generation when releasing cold water from Glen Canyon Dam, while also preventing entrainment of invasive species, pursuant to the 2016 Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan Record of Decision and the 2024 Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision.
(b) Feasibility determination
If the Secretary determines that a selective water withdrawal system alternative studied under subsection (a) is feasible under the reclamation laws, the Secretary may, if the Colorado River Storage Project power contractors concur with the alternative chosen, begin compliance with, and construction of, the chosen alternative.
(c) Feasibility study deadline
The Secretary shall complete the feasibility study required under subsection (a) not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Funding
(1) In general
The costs of the feasibility study under subsection (a) shall be paid for by the Secretary using appropriated funds.
(2) Treatment of funds
Any Federal funds made available to carry out this section shall be nonreimbursable and nonreturnable to the United States.
(3) Identification of funds
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Colorado River Storage Project power contractors, shall identify sources of available funds to carry out this section.
(e) Effect
Nothing in this section affects the post-2026 Colorado River reservoir operations guidelines and strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead in effect before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act.