KETR

Supreme Court rules for Okla. in water case

By • Jun 13, 2013
  • The Red River Compact, governing surface water use in parts of four states, was signed in 1978.
    The Red River Compact, governing surface water use in parts of four states, was signed in 1978.
    StateImpact Oklahoma

A decision from the nation's highest court today ruled that interstate water compacts do not preempt state laws.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the party from Oklahoma this morning in the Tarrant Regional Water District vs. Herrmann case.

The case focused on differing interpretations of the Red River Compact, an interstate agreement governing appropriation of water from the Red River basin in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.

The ruling said that Oklahoma cannot be forced to comply with terms of the agreement that violate state law regarding the sale and transport of water.

Hear a detailed report later today during All Things Considered on KETR.

Here's a PDF of the ruling.