S. 3743: 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.
The bill aims to initiate a feasibility study for a selective water withdrawal system at the Glen Canyon Dam. The study will be undertaken by the Secretary of the Interior, through the Commissioner of Reclamation. It will focus on the following key objectives:
Feasibility Study Objectives
- Optimize hydropower generation when cold water is released from Glen Canyon Dam.
- Prevent the entrainment (involvement in the water flow) of invasive species in the water released.
This study will be conducted in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Secretary of Energy and the power contractors involved with the Colorado River Storage Project. The study will include hydrological modeling to analyze various scenarios and outcomes.
Feasibility Determination
If the Secretary concludes that establishing a selective water withdrawal system is feasible under existing reclamation laws, and receives agreement from the Colorado River Storage Project power contractors on a selected alternative, the Secretary may proceed with compliance and the construction of the chosen system.
Study Timeline
The Secretary is required to complete the feasibility study within 18 months of the bill's enactment.
Funding
- The costs associated with the feasibility study will be covered using appropriated funds from the Secretary.
- Any federal funds allocated for this purpose will not need to be repaid to the United States.
- The Secretary must identify available funding sources within 90 days of the bill's enactment in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and affected power contractors.
Effect on Existing Operations
The bill specifies that its provisions will not alter the Colorado River reservoir operations guidelines and strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead that are in effect prior to, on, or after the bill's enactment.
Relevant Companies
- NEE - NextEra Energy: As a major player in energy generation, NextEra Energy may be involved in discussions on hydropower optimization strategies resulting from this study.
- DUK - Duke Energy: Another significant energy provider that could be impacted by changes in hydropower operations at the Glen Canyon Dam as a result of the study and potential system implementation.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
3 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Mar. 17, 2026 | Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held. |
| Jan. 29, 2026 | Introduced in Senate |
| Jan. 29, 2026 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. |
Corporate Lobbying
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