The Supreme Court has rejected a settlement between Western states over the management of one of North America’s longest riversThe Supreme Court rejects a settlement in a water dispute between New Mexico and TexasWASHINGTON -- WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a settlement between Western states over the management of one of North America’s longest rivers. In a 5-4 decision, the justices ruled that the water-sharing deal between Texas and New Mexico can't go through because the federal government still has concerns about New Mexico water use on the Rio Grande, which Colorado also draws from. In a dissent, Justice Neil Gorsuch said the United States' theory about how water should be distributed between the two states is “so aggressive that New Mexico fears it could devastate its economy." Some New Mexico lawmakers had voiced concerns about the proposed settlement, which would have meant reducing the state’s use of Rio Grande water with steps like paying farmers to leave their fields barren and making infrastructure improvements. The federal government, though, lodged several objections, including that the proposal did not mandate specific water capture or use limitations within New Mexico.

Source: ABC News June 21, 2024 19:47 UTC