SCOTUS rejects water deal in Rio Grande dispute

A recent Supreme Court decision has stalled a settlement in the long-standing water dispute over the Rio Grande, impacting New Mexico, Texas, and the federal government.

Danielle Prokop reports for Source New Mexico.

In short:

• The Supreme Court rejected a proposed settlement to resolve water disputes between Texas and New Mexico, citing federal interests.
• The case, initiated by Texas in 2013, accuses New Mexico of over-pumping groundwater, violating the 1938 Rio Grande Compact.
• Experts warn this decision might embolden federal involvement in interstate water disputes, prolonging litigation.

Key quote:

“Having acknowledged those interests, and having allowed the United States to intervene to assert them, we cannot now allow Texas and New Mexico to leave the United States up the river without a paddle.”

— Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Why this matters:

Water rights are critical for agriculture and municipal use in arid regions. This ruling could set a precedent for federal involvement in state water disputes, complicating future negotiations and regional water management.