On September 18, 2015, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) and United States Forest Service (“USFS”) issued Records of Decision (“RODs”) related to land management in support of sage grouse populations on lands managed by the agencies. The RODs put land use plans in place in lieu of listing sage grouse under the Endangered Species […]
Sage Grouse Land Use Plans and Law Suits Read More »
On March 11, 2016, Schroeder Law Offices sponsored and participated in the celebration of the finalization of the title transfer process of the Rye Patch Dan and Reservoir from the United State Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) to Pershing County Water Conservation District (PCWCD). This title transfer process has taken 20+ years to substantially complete. The Pershing
Pershing County Water Conservation District Celebrates Title Transfer Read More »
BLM’s Sage Grouse Plan Collaboration-Implementation is underway. As part of the BLM’s effort to ensure collaboration and engagement during implementation of the sage grouse plans, the BLM is sending out invitations to stakeholders to begin the dialogue. These invitation only meetings will occur on: April 22nd in Salt Lake City, UT April 26th in Boise,
Sage Grouse Workshop Read More »
In the Northwest, a substantial percentage of our power comes from hydroelectric projects. California’s new legislation requires utilities to provide electricity from 50% renewables by 2030, and Oregon’s new legislation requires the same by 2040. The hydro power industry is viewing these renewable standards as creating continuing demand for hydro power, but several trends are
Renewable Energy Demand Grows; Hydro Power Faces Challenges, Opportunities Read More »
Spring is approaching on the West Coast and we all know what this means: watering season! Time to check your sprinkler systems for leaks, read and record meters, and make sure your system is ready for spring irrigation. Though forecasts were set for an “El Niño” winter on the West Coast, projections from the March
2016 Irrigation Season Read More »
Schroeder Law Offices is proud to announce Portland’s Managing Attorney, Sarah Liljefelt, has been promoted to Junior Partner. Sarah has been with the firm since 2009 as a law clerk, and joined the firm full time after receiving her Juris Doctorate and Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis
Announcing Sarah Liljefelt as Junior Partner! Read More »
Upon facing the fourth year of consecutive drought, the Nevada Drought Forum formed in April 2015 by Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval to assist with water resource challenges in the State of Nevada. The Forum was comprised of members representing various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies in charge of managing water resources in the State. In September
Nevada Drought Forum Releases Recommendations Report Read More »
LOVELOCK, Nevada – The Pershing County Water Conservation District (PCWCD) has assumed sole ownership of Rye Patch Dam and Reservoir, and therefore majority control of the Humboldt Project, having acquired property and water rights from the United States Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). The transfer process, which began in 2002, was finalized with the recording of
Pershing County Water Conservation District Assumes Sole Ownership of Humboldt Project Read More »
California Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 88 into law on June 24, 2015. Part of that Bill amended the California Water Code to require that all persons who divert 10 acre-feet or more of water per year after January 1, 2016 must install a water measuring device to measure the rate of diversion (including diversion
California’s New Water Measuring, Recording & Reporting Law Read More »
Final rulemaking related to Forest Service permits for Ski Area Water Rights was released on December 30, 2015. Unlike an earlier directive passed in 2011, the Ski Area Water Clause will not require ski areas to transfer water rights to the federal government as a condition of operating on public land. Instead, the new clause will
Forest Service Changes It’s Tune on Transfer of Ski Area Water Rights Read More »
On December 22, 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced funding of more than $19 Million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Nevada. The program funds fall under Nevada’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and provides money for state projects that promote clean water through wastewater treatment projects and improvements to
Nevada Wastewater Funding Approved by EPA Read More »
The news of Dwight and Steven Hammond’s resentencing is an open platform for change in federal handling policies, but the fear incited by Ammon Bundy’s voluntary militia of protesters is clouding evidence that backs claims of federal government mismanagement. Protesters are against the Hammonds’ re sentencing and believe they were convicted unfairly under laws intended
Resentencing Issue Clouded by Militia Read More »
If you don’t know the Hammond family of Harney County, Oregon, you will soon. As the Hammond protest builds momentum backed by a voluntary militia, Dwight Hammond, 73, and his son, Steven Hammond, 46, are making headlines again. Three years ago, the pair made headlines when convicted in Federal Court of arson for fires lit
Hammond Protest builds Militia Momentum Read More »
Dwight and Steven Hammond respect the rule of law. They have litigated this matter within the federal courts for over five years and, in every instance, have followed the order of the court without incident or violation. That includes serving the entire sentences imposed in this case by the judge who heard the evidence at
Statement: Dwight and Steven Hammond Read More »
Congress has adjourned for the year without passing a bill to authorize and fund the Klamath Agreements. The Klamath Basin agreements include: the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement (“KHSA”), Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (“KBRA”) and Upper Klamath Basin Comprehensive Agreement (“UKBCA”) that together lay out a comprehensive scheme for changes in management along the entire reach
Klamath Basin Bill Does Not Pass This Year Read More »
Oregon Revised Statute 537.225 was enacted in 2013, allowing water use permit holders with irrigation, nursery, temperature control, stock watering, or agricultural water uses and subsequent completion dates to apply for assignment of all or part of the water use permit, and for the issuance of a replacement water use permit that reflects that assignment.
Oregon Water Use Permits May be Split Read More »
Nevada’s Special Session opened December 16, 2015 with Senate Bill 1 , an act that will issue transferable tax credits and tax breaks to certain projects authorized by the government. Section 64 of this bill relates to water use. It is proposing to streamline the water use permitting processes in order to encourage economic development.
Governor Opens Legislature for Special Session: Water Issues Included Read More »
On October 16, 2015, the office of the State Engineer of the State of Nevada issued an Order of Adjudication for the public waters of Northern Nevada’s Diamond Valley. The past years’ drought has made vested water rights and claims in Eureka County an ongoing and important legal issue. Water rights’ holders will need strict
Adjudication Order 2016: Diamond Valley, Nevada Read More »
El Niño is gracing the West Coast of the United States and water watchers are enjoying relief from the past few years of drought, but the catch-up game may take longer than hopefuls could dream. Reports from the U.S. Climate Prediction Center indicate that wetter weather is forecast for the West Coast through at
Drought Aid in the West Read More »
On November 3, 2015, the United States Senate voted on legislation meant to repeal the federal regulation re-defining “Waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”). WOTUS sets EPA’s jurisdiction, and thereby how far the EPA can reach to regulate various waterways. The regulation increases federal jurisdiction over water within the United States, which many believe will
Senate Takes Action to Repeal WOTUS (Updated 1/20/16) Read More »
