Legal Dispute Among New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado Begins Mediation in Rio Grande

A new chapter in the decade-long lawsuit over Rio Grande water is set to begin as parties head back to mediation following a rejected settlement agreement. The federal government and states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas are ordered to discuss issues surrounding groundwater pumping along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico. The disagreement stems from determining baselines for groundwater usage, with the federal government advocating a return to 1938 standards and the states pushing for the use of the “D2 curve” equation. New Mexico officials are urging federal officials to reach a compromise before Donald Trump’s presidency begins in January. The City of Las Cruces warns that drastic restrictions on groundwater pumping could have severe economic consequences and would require significant investments in alternative water sources. The dispute originated in the early 2000s due to drought conditions and has evolved to involve federal intervention and conflicting priorities among stakeholders. Mediation talks are expected to take place from Tuesday to Thursday with the possibility of extending if needed. If talks fail, the case will proceed to trial.

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