Congressman Cliff Bentz introduced H.R. 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, on April 15. The legislation aims to improve transparency and ensure that local water users have a greater role in the operation of federal water projects.
The bill addresses concerns about coordination under the Endangered Species Act during federal consultation processes, which can affect water deliveries for agricultural producers, municipalities, and rural communities.
“Water is the lifeblood of the West, and the people who rely on it deserve a voice in decisions that affect it. Too often, those decisions are made without adequate input from local contractors, irrigation districts, and the communities that depend on these projects. My legislation changes that by ensuring affected parties have a seat at the table. With greater transparency and accountability, we can follow sound science, protect species, and support strong communities at the same time,” said Congressman Cliff Bentz.
Samantha Barncastle, Executive Director of Family Farm Alliance said: “Western farmers and ranchers manage scarce irrigation water supplies daily yet are too often excluded from the ESA decisions that directly impact their operations. Water contractors aren’t bystanders—we’re essential partners. This legislation ensures those most affected by agency decisions have a seat at the table, bringing practical solutions and real-world expertise that can benefit both species and water reliability. Collaborative decision-making isn’t optional; it’s essential to protecting our natural resources and the agricultural communities that feed our nation.” The Klamath Water Users Association added: “We commend Congressman Bentz for this common-sense legislation. It brings long-overdue fairness and transparency to a process that has profound impacts on farmers and ranchers in federal water projects across the West… This legislation does not re-write the ESA; nor does it change federal authority or responsibility. Instead, it simply ensures that those most directly impacted by federal regulatory actions can review and comment on documents, and engage in constructive dialogue…”
April Snell of Oregon Water Resources Congress said: “OWRC supports this pragmatic legislation because it ensures local water managers are not just informed but actively engaged in federal decision-making—providing critical information… We appreciate Congressman Bentz introducing [the act] and his ongoing efforts to improve natural resources policy.”
If passed into law, H.R. 8259 would require agencies managing Bureau of Reclamation projects to provide ongoing opportunities for contractor engagement during consultations under environmental law requirements; increase transparency around biological assessments; explain scientific or legal bases for actions affecting water delivery; allow review of draft opinions; ensure participation when developing alternatives impacting supply.
Cliff Bentz is currently serving in Congress representing Oregon’s 2nd district after replacing Greg Walden in 2021 according to official records. He previously served in both chambers of Oregon’s legislature between 2008-2020 as reported by Ballotpedia. Born in Salem in 1952—now aged 71—Bentz lives in Ontario according to congressional biography, holds degrees from Eastern Oregon University (BA) as well as Lewis & Clark College (JD) as noted by Wikipedia.
The House Committee on Natural Resources will now consider H.R. 8259.
