The House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on Apr. 29 for H.R. 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, sponsored by Congressman Cliff Bentz of Oregon’s 2nd district. The proposed legislation would require federal agencies to consult with local water users during Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 7 consultations when requested.
This bill is intended to ensure that those who work most closely with water supply systems—such as farmers, ranchers, and irrigation districts—are involved in agency decision-making that could affect their operations and communities. According to the committee announcement, the process aims to incorporate detailed local knowledge into ESA consultations and mandates agencies provide explanations early in the process so new information can be considered.
“The knowledge that water users have regarding their water sources and delivery systems is invaluable, and essential to the proper application of the ESA,” said Congressman Bentz. “For too long, decisions with real, on-the-ground consequences have been made without meaningful input from the people who understand and work with these projects every day. My bill ensures that the process is more responsive to local insights, better tailored to fit within the irrigation systems where the ESA is to be applied, and ultimately, to improve the species protection process.”
Elizabeth Nielsen of Klamath Water User Association said: “Thank you to the Subcommittee for the opportunity to testify on H.R. 8259, and to Congressman Bentz for his leadership in introducing this important legislation. This bill fills a critical gap in the Endangered Species Act consultation process by ensuring that federal water contractors, and those they serve, including farmers and ranchers, are brought to the table when federal agencies make decisions that have direct and profound impacts on their operations, livelihoods, and communities. By creating a more transparent and inclusive process, this legislation will lead to better-informed decisions and more durable outcomes. We appreciate the Subcommittee’s attention to this issue and look forward to continuing to work with Congress on this important effort.”
Samantha Barncastle of Family Farm Alliance added: “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 agricultural communities that feed our nation.”
H.R. 8259 applies specifically across Western states where Bureau of Reclamation-managed projects play a key role in agriculture production as well as community stability.
Cliff Bentz has represented Oregon’s 2nd district since replacing Greg Walden in Congress in 2021 according to his biography. He previously served in both chambers of Oregon’s state legislature as reported by Ballotpedia. Bentz was born in Salem in 1952 but currently lives in Ontario according biographical records. He holds degrees from Eastern Oregon University (BA) earned in 1974 as well as Lewis & Clark College (JD) completed three years later according congressional records.
