The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a right-of-way (ROW) grant allowing construction to begin on the conversion of the Cadiz Northern Pipeline from a natural gas pipeline to a water conveyance system, clearing a major federal hurdle for the Mojave Groundwater Bank project being developed by Cadiz Inc. in partnership with the Lytton Rancheria. … While Cadiz and its tribal partner describe the project as a critical long-term water supply investment for Southern California, the proposal has faced years of scrutiny and opposition from some environmental organizations and desert conservation advocates who have raised concerns about groundwater extraction in the Mojave Desert. The BLM’s approval marks one of the final major federal authorizations needed before construction can move forward.

Related:

• Today’s News-Herald (Lake Havasu, Ariz.): Arizona irrigation district eyes California groundwater in bid to shore up water future
• National Parks Conservation Association: News release: Cadiz pipeline permit threatens Mojave Desert groundwater
• Center for Western Priorities: Statement: On ethically-compromised Cadiz pipeline approval by BLM