A federal judge agreed on Monday with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation that conversion of temporary water contracts from the California Central Valley Project doesn’t require a new environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act or the Endangered Species Act. U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston, a Joe Biden appointee …. said she agreed with and adopted the bureau’s interpretation that (the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act) requires contract conversion upon request by farmers and other water users that obtain water from the Central Valley Project and that it strips the bureau of discretion to modify any contractual right other than those related to the financial terms specifically addressed in the statute. 

Other water lawsuit news:

• Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard: Federal appellate court addresses argument that U.S. EPA should have updated standards for seven industries
• Surfrider Foundation: News release: A win for clean water! Industrial facilities must keep up with wastewater technology​
• Moab Sun News (Utah): Moab groups file lawsuit against Kane Creek development over water rights