Texas v. New Mexico, Docket No. 141, Orig.

The Supreme Court decides the role of the federal government in an agreement involving water rights between Texas and New Mexico. At the heart of the matter was a proposed agreement, known as a consent decree, that aimed to settle disputes over the Rio Grande Compact. However, the Court decided that this agreement couldn't go forward without the approval of the United States.

The justices pointed out that the federal government has its own interests in how the Compact operates, and any resolution that affects those interests needs its consent. This ruling highlights the importance of federal involvement in state agreements, especially when it comes to resources as vital as water.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson led the majority opinion, joined by Justices Roberts, Sotomayor, Kagan, and Kavanaugh. On the other side, Justice Neil Gorsuch, along with Justices Thomas, Alito, and Barrett, expressed their disagreement. This case serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between state and federal powers, especially in matters that impact multiple states and the federal government itself.

Summary of the Case

The case of Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado arose from a dispute regarding the Rio Grande Compact, an interstate agreement that allocates water from the Rio Grande River among Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Texas filed a lawsuit in 2013, claiming that excessive groundwater pumping in New Mexico was depleting the water supply intended for Texas under the Compact. The United States intervened in the case, asserting similar claims and emphasizing its interest in ensuring compliance with the Compact's terms. The parties later proposed a consent decree to resolve the dispute, which was recommended for approval by a Special Master. However, the United States objected, arguing that the consent decree would dispose of its claims without its consent.

Opinion of the Court

The Supreme Court, in a decision delivered by Justice Jackson, ruled against the approval of the proposed consent decree. The Court held that the consent decree would effectively resolve the United States' Compact claims without its consent, which is impermissible under established legal principles. The Court emphasized that a consent decree cannot dispose of the valid claims of non-consenting intervenors. The United States was found to have valid Compact claims, as it has distinct federal interests in the operation of the Rio Grande Project and the enforcement of the Compact. The Court concluded that the consent decree would preclude the United States from pursuing its claims regarding New Mexico's groundwater pumping, which it argued violated the Compact. Therefore, the Court denied the States' motion to enter the consent decree.

Separate Opinions

Justice Gorsuch dissented, joined by Justices Thomas, Alito, and Barrett. Gorsuch argued that the consent decree should have been approved, as it would resolve the dispute between Texas and New Mexico and leave federal reclamation operations intact. He contended that the federal government was unnecessarily prolonging the litigation and that the consent decree would not impair its ability to pursue any valid claims in lower courts. Gorsuch criticized the majority for disregarding the Special Master's recommendation and for potentially undermining state sovereignty over water rights.

Dissenting Opinions

Justice Gorsuch's dissent highlighted several key points: he believed the consent decree was consistent with the Compact and would not impose new obligations on the federal government. He argued that the federal government could still pursue any independent claims it might have in other forums, and that the majority's decision would discourage future cooperation between states and the federal government in water rights disputes. Gorsuch expressed concern that the ruling would set a precedent that could complicate interstate water management.

Federal Involvement In State Agreements

The legal framework governing interstate compacts, such as the Rio Grande Compact, is complex and involves both state and federal interests. The Compact, once approved by Congress, functions as federal law and binds all parties, including the federal government. The Court's decision underscores the principle that a consent decree cannot resolve claims of non-consenting intervenors, which in this case was the United States. The ruling reflects a careful balance between state sovereignty over water rights and the federal government's role in ensuring compliance with interstate agreements. The Court's reliance on precedent, particularly the Firefighters v. Cleveland case, illustrates the importance of protecting the rights of all parties involved in litigation, especially when federal interests are at stake. The decision ultimately emphasizes the necessity of consent from all parties when resolving disputes that involve federal claims, thereby reinforcing the cooperative federalism model that governs water rights in the United States.