Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
effect. The Texans claim the moratorium on interstate water
sales is unconstitutional. The federal courts say it's not. But, said
Oklahoma's Attorney General Drew Edmondson after the fending
off the latest Texas attempts to gain access to Oklahoma's water,
“. . . the water wars are not yet won.”
*
Las Vegas and Snake Valley, Nevada, versus Utah and Snake
Valley, Utah.
The water-hungry city of Las Vegas wants water
from the Snake Valley, a portion of which is in Utah, and is will-
ing to pay big for it. The Southern Nevada Water Authority
(Las Vegas) has plans to build a $3.5 billion, 285-mile pipeline to
bring the water south. But it's not a foregone conclusion, as clam-
oring emanates from all sides on everything from ecological con-
cerns to complaints that Nevada doesn't have the right to “Utah's
water.” Resolution of the dispute won't happen anytime soon in
the courts or among the parties involved.
†
Virginia versus Maryland.
This centuries-old fi ght over Potomac
River water has its origins in colonial times. One modern battle
found its way to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2003. The court ruled
that Maryland owns the river bottom, but Virginia has rights to
some of the water.
‡
Montana Groundwater Pollution.
In Colstrip, Montana, in late
spring of 2008, some residents ended up with cash in their pock-
ets but otherwise high and dry after the courts ordered a power
plant, PPL Montana, to pay millions of dollars for polluting the
groundwater in nearby subdivisions.
*Oklahoma Water Resource Board, press release, “Federal Judge Rejects Bid for Oklahoma Water,”
July 16, 2010, www.owrb.ok.gov/news/newsPDF/Federal%20Court%20Rejects%20Tarrant%20Bid
%20for%20Oklahoma%20Water.pdf; Oklahoma Offi ce of the Attorney General, press release,
“Federal Court Rejects Tarrant Bid for Oklahoma Water,” May 3, 2010, www.oag.ok.gov/oagweb
.nsf/3E67F1CEE13BC090862572B2005AD559/6C8419033E219970862577180079F549.
†
Nevada Division of Water Resources, State Engineer's Home Page, “Interim Order No. 3 Notice
of Postponement of Hearing and Scheduling,” http://water.nv.gov/Hearings/waterhearing/
snakevalley/documents/Int%20order%203.pdf; Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources Division of Water Resources, “Informational Statement Regarding Southern Nevada
Water Authority Water Right Application . . . ,” http://water.nv.gov/hearings/waterhearing/
SpringDryCaveDelamar/Pre-notice%20website%20press%20release.pdf.
‡
Virginia v. Maryland
, transcript of oral argument, U.S. Supreme Court, October 7, 2003, www
.supremecourt.gov/opinions/03pdf/129orig.pdf.
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