Taxpayers fund dam study that may benefit private power companies
H.R. 8113 — 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. · Filed by Celeste Maloy (R-UT) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Mar 26, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill directs the Interior Department to study whether a selective water withdrawal system at Glen Canyon Dam can simultaneously optimize hydroelectric power generation and prevent invasive species from being released downstream. The study must be completed within 18 months and funded by the federal government without cost recovery from power contractors. If the study finds the system feasible and power contractors agree, construction may proceed without additional congressional approval.
Why we flagged it
The bill directs a 18-month feasibility study on selective water withdrawal technology at Glen Canyon Dam, balancing hydropower optimization with invasive species prevention. It is fundamentally a study authorization with no direct appropriations or construction mandate.
What the text implies
- Study outcome may influence future Colorado River water management policy affecting seven Western states and Mexico; feasibility determination could trigger construction without additional congressional authorization if power contractors concur.
- Selective withdrawal technology could shift water release patterns, potentially affecting downstream agricultural water availability and timing, though bill explicitly preserves existing post-2026 operational guidelines.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
hydroelectric power contractors (Colorado River Storage Project participants); dam operators and water utilities; engineering/construction firms specializing in water infrastructure