Actions

California judge rejects water deal for major farm supplier

Gosia Wozniacka/AP

In this June 25, 2013, photo, workers move irrigation pipes from a field in the Westlands Water District near Five Points, Calif. A California judge has rejected a controversial contract between the federal government and the Westlands Water District, the nation's largest agricultural water supplier, ruling the district failed to provide key information about the deal to permanently lock in its water access.

By: Associated Press

Posted at 2:51 PM, Oct 28, 2021

and last updated 2021-10-28 17:51:17-04

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A California judge has rejected a contract granting permanent access to U.S. government-controlled water for the nation’s largest agricultural water supplier. Environmentalists had blasted the deal with Fresno-based Westlands Water District as an arrangement designed to benefit corporate farm interests over environmental needs and taxpayers.

It was crafted during the Trump administration under then-Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, a former Westlands lobbyist. Westlands says its acted transparently and has not received special treatment.

A Fresno County Superior Court judge on Wednesday became the second judge to rule against Westlands. The first judge said Westlands moved ahead on the contract before all the details were finalized.

Actions

California judge rejects water deal for major farm supplier

Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.

now signed up to receive the Headlines Newsletter.

Enter to Win Tickets