U.S. - Mexico Water Disputes

In 2001, CURE participated in a bi-national, multidisciplinary team to
evaluate politically feasible options for transferring water to the
Colorado Delta needed to maintain the baseline of habitat while the U.S. and Mexico evaluate long-term options. The report, Immediate Augmentation for Water on the Colorado River Delta in Mexico, proposed the purchase of water from Mexican Farmers and an additional release of water from the United States to maintain riparian habitat along the river corridor.

The Delta report served as an excellent model for addressing politically controversial issues. By assembling a team of professionals representing a broad array of interests, CURE was able to candidly address the concerns of each while vetting ideas within the various stakeholder communities.

CURE also has teamed with the American Bar Association's Environmental Section and is proposing similar projects on the Rio Grande. Board Member Jay Stein, as chair of the ABA Water Section, is actively involved in this effort. CURE recently submitted a grant proposal to the State of New Mexico to evaluate conjunctive use options at the border.

In connection with this proposed project and other border efforts, CURE developed a report outlining various projects being considered by the Border Environment and Cooperation Commission and the North American Development Bank. CURE is analyzing which of these projects would serve to help maximize water management on the
Rio Grande.

Litigation

Most recently, CURE joined with the City of Calexico and other non-governmental organizations including Consejo de Desarrollo Económico de Mexicali, A.C. ("CDEM") BS Desert Communities Against Pollution`in questioning the efficacy of lining the All American Canal in light of the failure of the United States to properly analyze the economic and environmental impacts of the lining.

A letter was sent to Interior Secretary Gale Norton to advise her of
these concerns, and after the government failed to respond, CURE, CDEM, and DCAP filed suit against the United States on July 19, 2005.

The case is currently at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which recently ruled in favor of CURE by issuing an injunction to halt construction of the new Canal. The lining will destroy the regional aquifer, which in turn will have significant, unstudied impacts on the local economy, asthma rates, endangered species survival, and wetlands. View our presentation on the effects in Imperial County.

Pleadings will be posted online soon. For a copy of any of the pleadings, please email info@curegroup.org.