Deseret News | Judge tosses roadblock into Snake Valley deal

Reader comments
Judge tosses roadblock into Snake Valley deal

stand | 11:52 a.m. Oct. 29, 2009

this will not stand the big money people will bribe another judge just like when mirosoft was going to be broken up. why does anyone think that was overturned.

Tracy Cook | 12:27 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Most of us in rural White Pine County are in agreement with the judge. I am 45 years old and have watched many perennial springs in the region become only seasonal (spring thaw), or worse yet, dry up completely. We are a beautiful basin and range area, with multiple big (elk, deer, desert sheep, antelope) and small game species dependent on the water resources here. Although, I'm not a rancher, I respect and mourn there endangered lifestyle. This water grab is all about Las Vegas taking the few resources and treasures rural Nevadans and folks from Utah live in this back country for. We live hundreds of miles from even a Walmart or a Smith's for a reason. If we loose our water expect to see a dust bowl like Owens Valley, between Bishop and LA. Vegas can broker deals for more water from the Colorado River or better yet stop the unchecked growth. I think the economy and home values show it checked itself. The developers are the ones who want this pipeline, to the rural west's detriment.

Thank goodness | 1:51 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

. . . a Nevada judge is watching out for us. Our Utah politicians sure aren't.

Comments continue below

Croc | 2:27 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Why did politicians in Utah even countenance a 'sharing' agreement? Bravo for Nevada Judges who seem to do more for Utah than our own elected 'get more water at any cost' officials.

Great news | 2:27 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Kudos to the judge for standing up for what's right rather than bowing to another mega-group.

The economy has seemingly capped Vegas' growth, they no longer need the huge amounts of water. If all future growth estimates were based on growth in the 2000s then they need to be reevaluated.

vegas pleasure | 4:00 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

Do you know what one of the bigger Vegas water users are? ....golf courses... How may courses do you think 1 city needs? How many does Las Vegas have? ...last count 36, actually 50 if you include the surrounding areas.... Vegas is already sucking the life out of Leak Mead (supplies 85% of vegas' water is at 65% capacity, down 75') plus upstream Lake Powell (50% capacity, down 95'). They're going after water anywhere they can... even in the Utah/ Nevada high desert

Hmmmm | 5:00 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

I find it strange that the Utah Department of Natural Resources negotiated an agreement and seems so anxious to sign it. So many people are saying this is a bad thing. What is the State of Utah's motivation for wanting to sign an agreement at this point in time? What is in it for them? Hmmm.

Tongue in Cheek | 5:14 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

What's with these activist judges overturning the WILL OF THE PEOPLE???

This just sickens me as it reminds me of how judges are giving gays special rights by letting them marry and ignoring the will of the voters.

Jack | 5:36 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

As a Nevadan I applaud the judge's decision. It is simply not right to take a chance on drying up entire basins for the water they have in order to perpetuate someones greed. Thr rural lifestyle and all that goes with it is surely just as important as anyone elses lifestyle. Las Vegas is a city of excesses. Let them utilize their water better, conserve water, anticipate population growth and take resposibility for their city rather than deciding somewhere else is less important than they are.

GK | 6:23 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

It is time for Las Vegas to start realizing it is not the soul destination in the West. They contribute to the mismanagement of the desert. Tucson has gone with desert landscapes there is no reason Las Vegas can't. I am glad the judge ruled this way. No reason to punish others for the sins of Las Vegas and its playground.

Honorable Judge | 6:33 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

What a thrill to see there are still honorable judges and politicians and bureaucrats in this Snake Valley Water Case! Thank you for stopping the race to create the Utah DustBowl. I have family in St George who have lost their water rights because the State of Utah has been unwilling, weak-kneed and/or powerless to stop the Las Vegas water grab. Let the right prevail....

kiaoraguy | 9:35 p.m. Oct. 29, 2009

As a native Nevadan and now equally long term resident of Utah, all I can say is it's about time someone from the real Nevada stands up to Las Vegas- let them succeed and take Harry with you

Crying shame. | 4:41 a.m. Oct. 30, 2009

Finally a judge and someone with the power to put a stop to the water grab all along the western states. Hopefully this will have a major impact in other states like California where they have destroyed much of their natural resources and also operate uncaringly for its own rural areas.

This should negate and stop all such pipelines to all cities and put some sanity in growth and development, even here in Utah. Will this curtail plans to install a pipeline in southern Utah that will surely affect the area? This is a major decision for Utah as well as Nevada.

This could save Utah millions of dollars also by not having to install and maintain water monitoring equipment and people on the state line. Historically the west and desert areas on the nation have always been regulated by available resources and should remain that way. Development should go to the resources, not move the resources to development. This has been a much needed blow to the abuse of resources by developers.

Fact Checker | 11:00 a.m. Oct. 30, 2009

The judge's name is "Robison," not Robinson; he's from Nevada's Second Judicial District -- both judges from the Seventh recused themselves.

Political malpractice | 6:45 p.m. Oct. 30, 2009

In light of the questions raised by this ruling it would be political malpractice for the governor to sign the water agreement now.

I echo the feeling expressed above that it's unacceptable that it took a judge in another state to protect our interests rather than our own state representatives/employees. This is a significant failure on their part and their should be consequences for those whose ability to represent Utah has been called into question by their actions in regard to this agreement.

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