S. 3907

New Mexico Aquifer Assessment Act of 2006

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II

109th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 3907

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

September 18, 2006

Mr. Domenici (for himself and Mr. Bingaman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study of water resources in the State of New Mexico.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the New Mexico Aquifer Assessment Act of 2006.

2.

New mexico water resources study

(a)

In General

The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey (referred to in this Act as the Secretary), in coordination with the State of New Mexico (referred to in this Act as the State) and any other entities that the Secretary determines to be appropriate (including other Federal agencies and institutions of higher education), shall, in accordance with this Act and any other applicable law, conduct a study of water resources in the State, including—

(1)

a survey of groundwater resources, including an analysis of—

(A)

aquifers in the State, including the quantity of water in the aquifers;

(B)

the availability of groundwater resources for human use;

(C)

the salinity of groundwater resources;

(D)

the potential of the groundwater resources to recharge;

(E)

the interaction between groundwater and surface water;

(F)

the susceptibility of the aquifers to contamination; and

(G)

any other relevant criteria; and

(2)

a characterization of surface and bedrock geology, including the effect of the geology on groundwater yield and quality.

(b)

Study areas

The study carried out under subsection (a) shall include the Estancia Basin, Salt Basin, Tularosa Basin, Hueco Basin, and middle Rio Grande Basin in the State.

(c)

Report

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes the results of the study.

(d)

Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.