Congressman Cliff Bentz introduced H.R. 8259, the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026, on April 15. The proposed legislation aims to improve transparency and ensure that local water users have a greater role in federal water project operations.
The bill is intended to strengthen coordination under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), especially during federal consultation processes that can affect water deliveries for agriculture, 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 also commented: “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, on critical decisions.”
April Snell of Oregon Water Resources Congress added: “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 and ensuring viable alternatives are included in consultation processes that directly impacts water delivery and the rural communities they serve… We appreciate Congressman Bentz introducing the Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act and his ongoing efforts to improve natural resources policy.”
The act would require agencies to give contractors ongoing opportunities for engagement during ESA consultations; increase transparency around biological assessments; explain scientific or legal reasons for actions reducing deliveries; allow reviews of draft opinions; ensure participation when developing alternatives affecting supply.
Bentz represents Oregon’s 2nd district after replacing Greg Walden in 2021 according to his official biography. He has served as U.S. Representative since 2021 following previous roles in both chambers of Oregon’s legislature as reported by Congress.gov. Born in Salem in 1952 but now living in Ontario according to Biographical Directory of U.S Congress, he holds degrees from Eastern Oregon University (BA) as well as Lewis & Clark College (JD) according to Eastern Oregon University.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
