U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

In North Coast Rivers Alliance v. Westlands Water District, No. FO67383 (Cal. Ct. App. 5th Dist. July 3, 2014), the Fifth Appellate District upheld the Westland Water District and its related distribution districts’ (Water Districts) conclusion that their approval of the 2012 interim renewal contracts with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau) for Central Valley Project (CVP) water was statutorily and categorically exempt from CEQA.  We consider the historical context of the Water Districts’ contracts along with the significance of the Court’s ruling below.Continue Reading CEQA Exemption Update: Westland Water District Two-Year Contract Renewals Ruled Exempt from CEQA Requirements