United Water-led petition effort worries Fox Canyon GMA director, who cites potential half‑billion dollar costs
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Summary
A board director distributed materials and urged support for United Water's petition to the U.S. Supreme Court alleging federal overreach on water regulation; the director warned proposed federal requirements for San Felicia Dam and Freeman Diversion could cost as much as $500 million and reduce local water supplies.
During board-member comments at the Nov. 3 Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency meeting, Director Lynn (S3) described a coordinated effort led by United Water and supported by Western Growers and allied organizations to petition the U.S. Supreme Court against what she characterized as federal overreach in water regulation.
"There are new federal rulings that threaten water rights," Lynn said, distributing a flyer titled "Overreach Federal Water Grab." She said United is preparing a Supreme Court petition and has already raised initial funds to begin the process. Lynn warned that two projects referenced by federal regulators — upgrades to San Felicia Dam and improvements at the Freeman Diversion — "could reach a half a billion dollars worth of cost out of our pocket with no new water," and said the regulation could reduce the amount of usable water in the Oxnard Plain.
Lynn asked staff to circulate the written materials as a PDF to board members. Board members acknowledged the distribution and discussed the potential economic impact on growers and cities if federal requirements are imposed. No formal board action on the matter was recorded at the meeting; Lynn characterized the effort as outreach and advocacy building support across western and eastern states.
Ending: The board accepted the materials for information; Lynn said United Water will circulate petition materials and the board will be provided a PDF of the flyer and supporting documents.