Last week, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly appeared before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to introduce Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma, Yavapai-Apache Nation Chairwoman Tanya Lewis, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Vice President Johnny Lehi. These leaders came to testify in support of two critical tribal water settlement bills that Kelly previously introduced to secure long-term water rights and resources for Arizona’s tribal communities.  In July, Kelly introduced the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act—bipartisan legislation to secure a sustainable water supply for the Nation by delivering water from the C.C. Cragin Reservoir, ensuring access to clean drinking water while protecting the Verde Valley’s vital water resources. He also introduced the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act (NAIWRSA) of 2024, which addresses water claims in the Colorado River Basin, providing significant water resources to the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.

Other tribal water issues:

• SWRCB Administrative Hearings Office watch: Tribal leaders speak during at Sites Reservoir Public Hearing