Montana wins right to sue Wyoming in water disagreement

[flashl]

Justices let Montana pursue water suit against Wyoming

BILLINGS, MONT. -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday said Montana can pursue its lawsuit that charges Wyoming with using too much water from a pair of rivers that flow between the states.

Montana argues Wyoming's agricultural and energy industries are depleting the Tongue and Powder rivers at the expense of downstream residents in Montana. In a complaint filed last year, Montana asked the court to order Wyoming to leave more water in the rivers and award damages and other relief. It did not specify amounts.

Wyoming officials dispute the charge, saying both states are suffering because of a prolonged drought.

Reed Benson, a water law specialist at the University of Wyoming, said the Supreme Court's acceptance of the case marked a victory for Montana -- but only a small one.

LA Times