Water Rights and Legal Disputes

This chapter explores a pivotal 2023 legal agreement on water use rights affecting New Mexico's agriculture and the resulting Supreme Court ruling that favored federal intervention. The discussion highlights the complexities of groundwater pumping, historical legal disputes, and the evolving dynamics between state and federal authority in managing water resources. As the court's unanimous decision reshapes perceptions of federal interests in water management, the chapter emphasizes the long-term implications for water rights governance.