At the Confluence of the Clean Water Act and Prior Appropriation: The Challenge and Ways Forward
In the western United States, the management of surface water quality and quantity is highly compartmentalized. This compartmentalization among and within state and federal authorities is not inherently objectionable. To the contrary, it likely is necessary. Yet, the degree of compartmentalization appears to have so divided management of this resource that damage has been done to both sides. Opportunities exist for cooperation, coordination, and a more holistic perspective on water management with little or even no change in law.
Westlands Water District v. United States
The Court of Federal Claims dismissed a water district's breach of contract claims against the United States for failing to provide water drainage facilities and services. The district argued that the contracts it entered into with the government expressly obligated the government to provide drainag...
American Road & Transportation Builders v. Environmental Protection Agency
The D.C. Circuit dismissed a road building association's lawsuit challenging EPA regulations for nonroad engines and vehicles. The regulations pertain to CAA §209(e), which preempts certain state regulation of nonroad engines. The association petitioned EPA to amend those regulations to broaden the...