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Ute Indian water compact

Journal Article · · J. Energy Law Policy; (United States)
OSTI ID:6883394
A potential addition to the Law of the River, the Ute Indian Water Compact (approved by the Utah Legislature in 1980), attempts to resolve conflicts between the State of Utah and the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation regarding rights to surface and ground waters appurtenant to the reservation. This includes several tributaries of the Colorado River. The Utes base their claim on the reserved water rights doctrine of Winters v. United Staes. The author reviews the compacts and legislation allocating water resources, emphasizing throughout the article the implications of the compact for energy development. He concludes that although the Compact does not resolve all the issues surrounding Indian water rights and does not preclude litigation, the mode of negotiation and compromises allows both parties to develop their vital natural resources. 201 references.
Research Organization:
Boyden, Kennedy and Romney, Salt Lake City, Utah
OSTI ID:
6883394
Journal Information:
J. Energy Law Policy; (United States), Journal Name: J. Energy Law Policy; (United States) Vol. 2:2; ISSN JELPE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English