The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 updates the existing water rights agreement between the Crow Tribe of Montana and the state of Montana. This bill modifies the 2010 settlement that allowed for water projects on the Crow Reservation. The amendments include changing references from a singular MR&I System to multiple MR&I Projects, creating specific accounts for funding the rehabilitation of the Crow Irrigation Project and other water infrastructure projects, and extending the Crow Tribe's exclusive rights to build hydropower facilities on the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam until 2030.
Media outlets that support the bill highlight its role in advancing infrastructure development for the Crow Tribe, ensuring long-term water security, and empowering the tribe with extended rights to develop hydropower. These developments are seen as steps towards greater self-sufficiency and economic growth for the tribe.
Critics of the bill express concerns about the potential for mismanagement of funds and whether the amendments adequately address the environmental impacts of the proposed projects. Some also question the extension of exclusive rights for hydropower development, arguing it could delay broader energy initiatives in the region.
The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025, sponsored by Steve Daines, has some potential conflicts of interest due to the overlap between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donors. The Retired and Government sectors, who have donated a total of $892,500,000 to Daines, have a vested interest in the subject matter of the bill, which concerns Native Americans. It's important to note that while these sectors are not directly related to water rights or Native American affairs, their influence cannot be entirely discounted. The Retired sector's involvement may be due to the demographic's interest in Native American affairs, while the Government sector's involvement is more directly related to the legislative process. However, the lack of direct overlap between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donors mitigates the risk of a significant conflict of interest.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retired (W06) | Sector | Native Americans | $637,500,000 |
| Government (W02) | Sector | Native Americans | $255,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $892,500,000 | ||
Top industries funding Steve Daines, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)