The assertion that “whisky is for drinking, water is for fighting!” is widely attributed to Mark Twain, but today you’re likely to hear it from governors. That’s because states, confronted with climate stresses and the prospect of severe droughts, are taking battles over water usage and control into the highest courtroom in the land.

Robert Glennon, an expert on water policy and law at the University of Arizona, explains what is behind these clashes before the Supreme Court over water rights. He suggests that a better tactic for states would be to consider conservation before litigation.

Also today:

Jennifer Weeks

Senior Environment + Energy Editor

Aerial view of Lake Powell on the Colorado River along the Arizona-Utah border. AP Photo/John Antczak

Interstate water wars are heating up along with the climate

Robert Glennon, University of Arizona

The Supreme Court recently dealt defeat to Florida in its 20-year legal battle with Georgia over river water. Other interstate water contests loom, but there are no sure winners in these lawsuits.

Politics + Society

Environment + Energy

Ethics + Religion

Science + Technology

Education

  • Biden administration’s $39 billion child care strategy: 5 questions answered

    Taryn Morrissey, American University School of Public Affairs

    This infusion of funds will help struggling child care providers and support parents who have to exit the workforce to care for their kids.

  • Are America’s schools safe for Asian Americans?

    Charissa S. L. Cheah, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Aggie Yellow Horse, Arizona State University; Kevin A. Gee, University of California, Davis

    Asian Americans are more likely to participate in remote learning than other racial groups, federal data show. To understand why, three experts weigh in.

Health

Trending on site