Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act of 2023

This bill establishes a voluntary federal program to help landowners reduce groundwater use while maintaining agricultural production. It allows eligible entities (like state governments, tribes, or nonprofits) to purchase conservation easements on groundwater rights from landowners in areas facing significant groundwater depletion, covering up to 65% of the easement costs. The easements require measurable reductions in groundwater pumping but permit continued farming and compatible land uses, with programs prioritizing areas where groundwater monitoring exists. Landowners with eligible land - such as cropland, rangeland, or pasture - can participate, and the program must support local groundwater management goals while protecting community and environmental benefits.