A coalition of more than three dozen lawmakers is raising concerns about a U.S. Forest Service proposal that would establish policies for managing and using groundwater resources on national forest land.
The lawmakers say the proposed directive seeks to further federalize water resources at the expense of state authority.
The lawmakers, including U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce of New Mexico and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings of Washington, detailed their concerns in a letter sent Tuesday to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
They say the directive could interfere with the property and water rights of states, municipalities and private landowners who are adjacent to national forests.
The lawmakers say the proposal was crafted without initial input from states, farmers, ranchers and forest visitors.
A public comment period is currently underway.
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