Tag

Water Rights

All articles tagged with #water rights

climate-and-environment4 days ago•9 min saved

Nevada challenges federal Colorado River cuts, warns Vegas water is at stake

Nevada filed the first lawsuit opposing the Trump administration’s plan to force about a 20% cut in Colorado River water deliveries to Nevada, Arizona, and California for two years, with potential larger reductions later to protect the river’s depleted reservoirs. The state argues the plan violates the National Environmental Policy Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Law of the River, and would devastate Southern Nevada’s economy and water supply. While California and Arizona share concerns, four upstream states are not required to cut this round; Nevada says it remains open to negotiation but seeks a court halt to the plan.

via Los Angeles Times|

#climate-and-environment #colorado-river #drought

environment4 days ago•60 min saved

Nevada Sues Federal Government Over Colorado River Cuts, Seeks Court Block

Nevada filed a federal lawsuit in Nevada challenging the Trump administration’s Colorado River operating plan, which could reduce the state’s water allocation by as much as 71% annually (up to 213,556 acre-feet over 10 years). Nevada argues the plan unlawfully curtails its share and would inflict devastating economic and environmental harm, asking for an injunction until federal documents reflect the toll on Southern Nevada’s economy. The suit comes as federal water cuts—unprecedented without a basin-wide agreement—face potential participation from California and Arizona, with Upper Basin states largely spared; experts say the legal path could take years and Lake Mead’s levels are projected to drop further.

via Las Vegas Review-Journal|

#colorado-river #environment #environmental-law

technology2 months ago•10 min saved

Utah’s Hyperscale Data Center Slashed After Backlash and Water Fears

The Stratos hyperscale data center project in Box Elder County, Utah, originally planned to span about 40,000 acres, has been cut by half to roughly 20,000 acres after intense local protests over water use, electricity costs, and environmental risks. Developer Kevin O’Leary acknowledged missteps and is taking a more hands-on approach to communications to rebuild trust, with the project now requiring full permitting and environmental reviews before construction. While officials hail the compromise as a potential model for transparent development, critics say trust is already eroded and questions remain about the project’s total capacity and local impacts.

via Ars Technica|

#backlash #data-center #oleary

world3 months ago•181 min saved

Italy's Supreme Court upholds hotel’s right to refuse tap water

Italy’s Supreme Court ruled that restaurants and hotels are not legally required to serve tap water, upholding a decision in favor of Hotel Sassongher after staff refused to provide tap water in favor of bottled water; the case highlights differing tap-water norms between the US and parts of Europe.

via CNN|

#hotel-sassongher #italy #supreme-court

environment8 months ago•8 min saved

Tensions Rise as Colorado River Disputes Highlight Water Crisis

Western states are engaged in a high-stakes dispute over the shrinking Colorado River, involving political, economic, and environmental tensions among states, industries, and tribes, with potential federal intervention to manage water allocations amid severe drought and legal conflicts.

via Politico|

#colorado-river #environment #negotiations

us-supreme-court2 years ago•5 min saved

Supreme Court Rejects Rio Grande Water Deal Between NM and TX

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a proposed settlement between Texas and New Mexico over water rights related to the Rio Grande, citing the federal government's interests. Justice Neil Gorsuch dissented, arguing the decision defies a century of water law precedent and undermines state authority. The case highlights ongoing disputes exacerbated by climate change and water scarcity.

via Newsweek|

#federal-government #neil-gorsuch #rio-grande-compact

politics2 years ago•2 min saved

Navajo Leaders Urge Congress to Approve Historic Colorado River Water Settlement

Navajo President Buu Nygren signed legislation for a proposed $5 billion water rights settlement to secure Colorado River supplies for the Navajo, San Juan Southern Paiute, and Hopi tribes, addressing severe water shortages and marking a significant step in tribal cooperation. The settlement, which requires Congressional approval, aims to provide essential water access to drought-stricken areas and is seen as crucial amid climate change and pandemic challenges.

via PBS NewsHour|

#colorado-river #congress #native-american-tribes

environment2 years ago•6 min saved

"Controversy Surrounding Lithium Extraction from Great Salt Lake and Colorado River"

An Australian company is planning to extract lithium from saline waters in southeast Utah, raising concerns about its potential impact on the Colorado River's water supply. The project aims to produce lithium for electric vehicle batteries using a low-carbon and environmentally responsible extraction process, but local residents and environmentalists are worried about the potential water usage and environmental impact. The company has acquired rights to freshwater from the Green River, leading to questions about the connection between groundwater and river water. The project reflects a broader global effort to ramp up lithium production for renewable energy technologies, but concerns persist about its potential effects on the environment and water resources.

via The Associated Press|

#colorado-river #environment #lithium-extraction

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

California Halts Bottled Water Company's Extraction from Natural Springs

California has ordered BlueTriton, the owner of Arrowhead bottled water, to stop using natural springs in the San Bernardino mountains that it has been utilizing for over a century. The ruling comes after years of campaigning by environmentalists who argue that the company has drained an important creek, harming wildlife and increasing the risk of wildfires. The state water resources control board unanimously voted to significantly reduce the amount of water BlueTriton can take from public lands, although the company plans to sue to block the order. Community groups and activists consider this a victory in their fight to protect the environment and uphold state laws.

via The Guardian US|

#arrowhead #bluetriton #california

environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"California Court Delivers Blow to Arrowhead Bottled Water Company"

California water regulators have ruled that BlueTriton Brands, the company that bottles Arrowhead 100% Mountain Spring Water, must cease taking millions of gallons of water from springs in the San Bernardino Mountains. The State Water Resources Control Board unanimously ordered the company to stop diverting water through its pipelines, as it was found to be taking more water than it had rights to. Environmentalists have praised the decision, stating that it puts an end to the unlawful removal of water from public lands. BlueTriton Brands, which took over the business from Nestlé in 2021, has argued that it has valid water rights and plans to vigorously defend them.

via Los Angeles Times|

#bottled-water #california #environment

environment3 years ago•5 min saved

"Maui Residents Demand Stronger Wildfire Recovery Efforts and Increased Support for Hawaii Agriculture"

Residents of Maui, Hawaii, are expressing anger and frustration over the direction of early wildfire recovery efforts, questioning the actions of Governor Josh Green. The distrust in the government is particularly affecting the Native Hawaiian community, who fear that their hard-won rights could be eroded by emergency proclamations. The proclamations have suspended environmental and cultural reviews, as well as water code regulations, raising concerns about land use and water rights. The issue has become so contentious that the chief housing officer resigned due to threats against her family. Lawsuits have been filed challenging the governor's emergency proclamations, arguing that they go too far in suspending land-use and environmental laws.

via NBC News|

#environment #land-use #maui

environment3 years ago•5 min saved

Maui's Fiery Transformation: The Impact of 19th-century Pineapple Plantations

The transformation of Maui's natural resources into pineapple and sugar plantations by American and European colonists has led to the depletion of water sources and the destruction of biodiverse food forests. This altered ecology has contributed to the recent devastating wildfires in the historic west Maui town, which killed over 111 people. Large-scale agriculture, driven by extractive capitalism, replaced fertile land with monoculture crops, introduced invasive species, and poisoned water wells. The privatization of land and water rights by agricultural corporations further exacerbated the problem. Native Hawaiians have been fighting to reclaim their water rights and restore depleted streams for traditional practices. However, the recent fire has disrupted these efforts, with concerns that developers may exploit the tragedy to acquire more land and water rights. To prevent future disasters, experts emphasize the need to restore wetlands and ecosystems that once provided sustenance and acted as a natural buffer against wildfires.

via The Guardian|

#ecosystem #environment #maui

environmental-issues3 years ago•9 min saved

Lahaina's Deadly Fire Ignites Maui's Water Rights Battle

Native Hawaiians in Maui are engaged in a long-standing battle over water rights, with recent wildfires intensifying the conflict. Developers and government officials argue that water needs to flow more freely for fire protection, while Native Hawaiians emphasize the importance of water for cultural and agricultural purposes. The aftermath of the deadly Lahaina fire has led to accusations of scapegoating, with the government seeking to relax stream flow limits and developers requesting water to fill reservoirs. The dispute highlights the struggle to restore a less-flammable landscape that was destroyed by plantation farming, and the increasing vulnerability to wildfires due to climate change. The ongoing demand for housing and development in fire-prone areas further complicates the issue.

via The Washington Post|

#climate-change #environmental-issues #fire-protection

politics3 years ago•3 min saved

Navajo Nation's Water Rights Denied by Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court ruled that the federal government is not obligated to provide water infrastructure to the Navajo Nation beyond what is required by the 1868 treaty. While the decision was disappointing for the Navajo Nation, it reaffirmed the tribe's water rights and left open the possibility for negotiations and congressional action to address modern water needs and infrastructure. An estimated 30% to 40% of Navajo residents lack access to clean running water.

via Deseret News|

#infrastructure #navajo-nation #politics

politics3 years ago•9 min saved

Supreme Court deals blow to Navajo Nation's water rights fight

The US Supreme Court has rejected claims by Navajo leaders that the federal government was obligated to help secure and deliver water across the reservation. The ruling has disappointed and angered many, who argue that water is a human right and that the Navajo Nation has been fighting for water rights for decades. The Navajo Nation is the largest tribe in the US, with more than 300,000 enrolled members, and the decision affects only a small part of the reservation. The ruling may make it harder for tribes to argue that the US has a trust obligation to assist tribes.

via The Arizona Republic|

#indigenous-peoples #infrastructure #navajo-nation