The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case next week that pits the construction industry against environmental groups. And the outcome could affect San Diego's drinking water. Evelyn Lombardo reports from Washington.
The Supreme Court is going to decide if federal agencies must consider the impact on endangered species when granting water permits to states. If the Court says yes, then several California water projects could run dry.
Attorney Rod Walston represents the San Diego County Water Authority and other California agencies. He says if using the Colorado River for drinking water could hurt rare fish or other wildlife, then the federal government could be forced to pull out of its deals with local water districts.
Walston : That was the effect of the Ninth Circuit's holding. The court held in effect that the requirements of the Endangered Species act override and trump all other obligations of federal agencies.
The water agencies have joined with the construction industry against environmental groups. Those groups want the Supreme Court to affirm the importance of the Endangered Species Act. From Washington, Evelyn Lombardo, KPBS News.
The Supreme Court will hear this case on Tuesday.
