BREAKING: Nebraska has officially launched a lawsuit against Colorado over critical water rights from the South Platte River, escalating a longstanding dispute exacerbated by climate change. The lawsuit was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court just moments ago, marking a significant development in regional water management.
Nebraska officials, including Governor Jim Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers, announced the lawsuit during a press conference on Wednesday. “It’s crystal clear. Colorado has been holding water back from Nebraska for almost 100 years,” Pillen stated, highlighting the growing water crisis fueled by Colorado’s population surge.
The lawsuit alleges that Colorado has deprived Nebraska of as much as 1.3 million acre-feet of water, violating a 1923 compact that entitles Nebraska to a designated flow from the river. This dispute is critical as Nebraska grapples with worsening climate conditions that threaten agricultural productivity and water supplies.
“We’re going to fight like heck. We’re going to get every drop of water,” Pillen declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Nebraska’s capital, Lincoln, relies on the river, with an estimated 12% of its water supply projected to come from the proposed Perkins County Canal, a project that has faced significant obstacles.
Colorado’s response came swiftly, with Attorney General Phil Weiser labeling the lawsuit “unfortunate.” Weiser criticized Nebraska for not seeking reasonable solutions through dialogue, suggesting that litigation could lead to an unnecessary financial burden on both states.
“Nebraska’s actions will force Colorado water users to build additional new projects,” Weiser stated, warning of potential costs exceeding $1 billion in total, with millions allocated to litigation.
The lawsuit underscores the urgency of water management in light of climate change, which is altering precipitation patterns and increasing irrigation demands. Hilgers noted that during the irrigation season, Colorado has been providing only about 75 cubic feet per second to Nebraska, far below the required 120 cubic feet per second.
“This may be the most consequential lawsuit that this office will be a part of in my generation,” Hilgers asserted, as both states prepare for a prolonged legal battle. The Supreme Court process is expected to take several years, with a special master potentially appointed within the next 12 months.
The South Platte River, flowing from Colorado into southwestern Nebraska, has been a focal point of water disputes since Nebraska announced plans to construct the Perkins County Canal in 2022. Despite attempts at negotiation, officials have reached an impasse, leading to this urgent legal action.
Climate experts warn that as the effects of climate change worsen, such disputes are likely to become more frequent. Dr. Carly Phillips from the Union of Concerned Scientists stated, “The trends are really consistent when it comes to snowpack, stream flow, evaporation, and irrigation demand.”
The implications of this lawsuit extend beyond state lines, affecting local communities and agricultural sectors that rely on stable water supplies. As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court for its ruling on this pressing matter.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical story unfolds. The future water security of Nebraska hangs in the balance.
