Sec. 704. Policy development
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/bill/115/hr/23/eh/section-704A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In developing any rule, policy, directive, management plan, or similar Federal action relating to the issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit, approval, license, lease, allotment, easement, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement, the Secretary— shall— recognize the longstanding authority of the States relating to evaluating, protecting, allocating, regulating, permitting, and adjudicating water use; and coordinate with the States to ensure that any rule, policy, directive, management plan, or similar Federal action is consistent with, and imposes no greater restriction or regulatory requirement, than applicable State water law; and shall not— adversely affect— the authority of a State in— permitting the beneficial use of water; or adjudicating water rights; any definition established by a State with respect to the term beneficial use , priority of water rights , or terms of use ; or any other right or obligation of a State established under State law; or assert any connection between surface and groundwater that is inconsistent with such a connection recognized by State water laws.