NEW 8/1/14: Statement on Dismissal of Aqualliance and CSPA Lawsuit on Transfers

“Today, the federal Eastern District Court granted a request to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit filed by environmental organizations seeking to stop the transfer of water vitally needed to help cope with the devastating effects of drought upon families, farms and communities along the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley. The Aqualliance and the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance sought to prevent the transfers, which have been arranged by the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority on behalf of member agencies. Prior to the dismissal, the federal district court had declined to stop the transfers. In its July 11 order, the court rejected environmentalists’ claims that the transfers would harm the delta smelt and that the Bureau of Reclamation’s environmental review was inadequate.”

A link to the order for dismissal can be viewed here.