Utah, Navajo Nation water rights settlement to be created under Hatch, Chaffetz legislation

Bicameral legislation announced by U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) would establish a negotiated settlement for Colorado River water rights disputes between Utah and the Utah Navajo Nation.

Utah state officials and Utah Navajo Nation leaders agreed last year after 13 years of deliberations, a federal negotiations team review and approval of the Navajo Nation Council to resolve water rights claims through negotiated settlements instead of litigation.

“I’m thrilled that over a decade of work with our Navajo friends and neighbors has culminated in this fair, equitable settlement that benefits all water users in the region,” Hatch said. “This result took a great deal of time and commitment, and I’m grateful so many willing partners stepped up to the plate to address this complex issue.”

Chaffetz called the negotiated water settlement a “big win” for his constituents in the Navajo Nation.

“Water is the lifeblood of the West,” Chaffetz said. “With Navajo water rights finally quantified, they can now benefit economically from a resource that is rightfully theirs. The water infrastructure that will be built as a result of this agreement is long overdue. This pact provides tangible benefits that improve the quality of life for Utah Navajo.”

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert said the state of Utah and Navajo Nation have worked together to reach consensus on critical water rights claims over more than a decade.

“This agreement did not happen overnight; it has taken time and commitment from partners on every side of the issue,” Herbert said. “This deliberative process has led to a fair and equitable agreement which will benefit Utah, the Navajo Nation, the federal government and all water users in the Colorado River Basin alike. I am hopeful Congress will follow the lead of Sen. Hatch and Rep. Chaffetz and move quickly to support our efforts.”

Russell Begaye, the president of Navajo Nation, said the Nation is “extremely grateful” to Hatch and Chaffetz for introducing the legislation.

“The settlement represents a win-win for the Navajo Nation and the State of Utah,” Begaye said. “Consequently, we are looking forward to working with Sen. Hatch, Rep. Chaffetz, and the rest of the Utah congressional delegation in moving this historic legislation through Congress.”