Legal Document

515 U.S. 1115 S.Ct. 1933132 L.Ed.2d 1 State of NEBRASKA, Plaintiff,v.States WYOMING AND COLORADO. No. 108, Orig. Supreme Court the United States Argued March 21, 1995. Decided May 30, Syllabus * A 1945 decree rationing North Platte River among users in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado enjoins Wyoming from diverting or storing water above prescribed amounts on river's upper reaches; sets priorities canals that divert for use Nebraska irrigators federal reservoirs; apportions natural irrigation-season flows so-called "pivotal reach" between Wyoming; authorizes any party to apply amend further relief. v. 325 589, 65 1332, 89 L.Ed. 1815. sought such relief 1986, alleging was threatening its equitable apportionment, primarily by planning projects tributaries have historically added significant pivotal reach. After this overruled parties' objections Special Master's First Second Interim Reports, 507 ----, 113 1689, 123 317, leave their pleadings. The Third Report recommended be allowed substitute three counts Amended Petition proposed counterclaims four cross-claims. has filed exceptions recommendations a single (and largely overlapping) exception each. Held: are overruled. Pp. __. (a) requirement obtaining file complaint an original action serves important gatekeeping function, pleading amendments must scrutinized closely see whether they would take litigation beyond what reasonably anticipated when granting initial As indicates, here is not restricted solely enforcement rights determined prior proceedings. However, while parties may ask reweighing equities injunction declaring new responsibilities, make showing substantial injury entitled Master duly appreciated these conclusions considering (b) takes recommendation it denied Counterclaim Cross-Claim, which allege failed recognize beneficial limitations diversions violated apportionment demanding flow storage sources Tri-State Dam below dam. seeking replace proportionate sharing reach's with scheme based reach irrigators, presumably Wyoming's advantage, reality calling fundamental modification established 1945, without change conditions arguably justify so bold step. (c) intention consider broad array downstream interests hear evidence only but also wildlife habitat, passing Nebraska's request modified enjoin developments Platte's does not, as argues exception, run counter Court's denial two earlier motions amend. Those claims assign affirmative obligation protect wildlife, while, here, effect one equity balanced determining can modified. Moreover, apportionments, discrete enjoined. If environmental speculative, will able necessary injury. (d) allegations actions along Horse Creek tributary threaten serious depletion return flows, interests, describe sufficient, if proven, warrant injunctive sought. Thus, proceed challenge cannot succeed. (e) allegation increased groundwater pumping threatens describes posing threat In excepting claim go forward, asserts failure regulate within own borders precludes Wyoming. alleges no caused pumping, question trial. (f) Both Fourth Cross-Claim—which management reservoirs contravened state law well contracts governing supply individual users—be proceed. Although did apportion water, predicate adhered administering contracts. assertion longer so, permitted states ought forward. This arises decree, thus vindicated district court contract holders States. Nor likely proceeding overwhelmed intervention holders. Since presumed speak citizens, requests intervene absent showing, unlikely made some compelling interest properly represented State. Exceptions SOUTER, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, C.J., STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, GINSBURG, BREYER, JJ., joined, Parts I, II, III THOMAS, joined. concurring part dissenting part. Dennis C. Cook, Laramie, WY, defendant 2 Timothy M. Tymkovich, Denver, CO, Colorado. 3 Richard A. Simms, Santa Fe, NM, plaintiff. 4 Jeffrey P. Minear, Washington, DC, 5 Justice SOUTER Court. 6 rationed By petition again brought matter before us, we appointed conduct appropriate his Report, Motions Amend Pleadings (Sept. 9, 1994), rulings We now us report, each overrule. 7 non-navigable stream rising northern flowing through into where joins South form River. 1934, invoked our jurisdiction under Constitution, Art. III, § 2, cl. suing Platte. had intervene, impleaded defendant, ensuing culminated decision 1815 (1945) (Nebraska I ). 8 concluded doctrine appropriation should serve general "guiding principle" allocation id., at 618, S.Ct., 1351, resisted inflexible application rendering principal rulings. Ibid. First, enjoined amounts, meant reflect existing uses, reaches. Id., 621-625, 665-666, 1352-1354. Second, set reservoirs, store irrigation districts. 625-637, 666-667, 1353-1359. Third, apportioned stretch river proved focus (the 41 miles Guernsey Nebraska), allocating 75 percent those 25 637-654, 667-669, 1359-1368. Finally, held could amendment 671 (Decree Paragraph XIII). With stipulation, since been once, account construction Glendo Reservoir. 345 981, 73 1041, 97 1394 (1953). 9 returned 1986 additional granted petition, 479 1051, 107 923, 93 975 (1987), counterclaim. 481 1011, 1883, 95 491 (1987). 10 Soon thereafter, global motion summary judgment, denied. See Master, O.T.1988, 108 engaging discovery, Colorado, all judgment motions. grant part, otherwise deny Summary Judgment Renewed Intervention, O.T.1991, exceptions. 317 (1993) II 11 then pleadings, referred Master. seeks contains counts. Count depleting asks against constructing capacity "permitting unlimited hydrologically connected tributaries." App. D-2 D-7. operating Reservoir violation order holding decree. D-7 D-8. development deplete Laramie River's contributions Platte, "specify inflows Wheatland component [pivotal] reach, 75% 25% [to] share contribution . ." D-8 D-12. IV non-irrigation season flows. D-12 D-16. allow first current IV. Neither nor excepted recommendation, whereas exceptions, out detail below. 12 proposes five Cross-Claim canals, (with acquiescence States) them Dam. E-3 E-6, E-8 E-10. Counterclaims Cross-Claims seek XVII deals operation subject Petition. E-6 E-7, E-10 E-11. Fifth modify determination carriage (or transportation) losses officials law. E-7 E-8, E-12. operate accordance contracts, upsetting very basis decree's apportionment. E-11 13 insofar impose limitation flow. except Cross-Claim. excepts disposition all, then, 14 found solicitude liberal pleadings animating Federal Rules Civil Procedure, Rule 15(a); Foman Davis, 371 178, 182, 83 227, 230, 222 (1962), suit cases jurisdiction. Ohio Kentucky, 410 641, 644, 1178, 1180-1181, 35 560 (1973); cf. 17.2. need less complaisant standard follows traditional reluctance exercise most circumstances, even where, more States, exclusive. Mississippi Louisiana, 506 549, 553, 121 466 (1992) (" 'The model case invocation dispute seriousness amount casus belli were fully sovereign,' " quoting Texas New Mexico, 462 554, 571, n. 18, 103 2558, 2569, 77 (1983)); York Jersey, 256 296, 309, 492, 496, 937 (1921) ("Before moved extraordinary power Constitution control another, threatened invasion magnitude clear convincing evidence"). Our obtained action, 17.3, instance supra, 1180-1181. 15 Accordingly, understanding scope envisioned critical step consideration have, fact, already discussed breadth length reviewing U.S., ---- - 1694-1696, "solely proceedings." 1695. To contrary, observed XIII retained "to answer unresolved questions accommodate 'change[s] conditions'—a phrase sufficiently e ncompass changes supply, party's interests." 1695, citing 620, 1351. therefore enforce "a responsibilities. 1696. clear, however, "Paragraph perhaps eases [party's] burden establishing, matter, [for modification] 'of character dignity makes controversy justiciable jurisdiction,' ibid., 610, 1347, "[party] still relief." 16 think about he assessed plausibly alleged sufficient modification. 33-36. parties, course, do wholly agree indicate turn. 17 "Nebraska circumvented diversion excess requirements lands Decree. E-4. "has continues deliver E-8. inject litigation, concluding object transform irrigators. 55-64. claiming than elaborate suggestion counterclaim 1987, wasting diverted But there that, settled 18 rejected notion "impose absolute ceilings taking reach." 1700. although served calculated proceedings, calculations used "determin[e] cap canals' total diversions, either individually cumulatively." clearly indicated, observed, fact V forth mention expressly free allocate sees fit." Ibid., 667. 19 These expose true nature amended claims. Simply put, simple capped volume probable use, advantage. nothing relitigation "main controversy" 637-638, 1359-1360. Under circumstance, profoundly reluctant revisit central supposedly resolved 50 years ago, temptation absence might reexamining scheme. overruled.1 B 20 Counts tributaries, D-4 D-6, D-9 D-11, theory tributaries' mainstem, hence upset "the balance Decree." D-5, D-10. second issue stated claims, habitat. 14, 17, 19, 26. 21 Consideration evidence, argues, Nebraska: 1988 motion, 485 931, 1103, 99 265 providing instream preserve 1991 1941, 648 nonirrigation suggests yet purely speculative best left other forums. 22 arguments persuasive. thing; effects upstream assessing threats quite another. above, (as enjoining tributaries) follow upon "balancing equities," "substantial injury" relief, There placing entire categories attempts satisfy burden, far insignificant. 23 resistance efforts bring apportionments flows) alter conclusion. Here, developments. fair opportunity present doing understand how preclude setting injury, consign producing forum, projects. And argument proof highly point urged prematurely. Purely harms carry stage certainly judging proof, justification denying chance prove can. C 24 third Creek, Tri- Petition, "presently violating violate" "by reregulating canal linings Conservancy District." D-5. depletions creek. simply germane case, feeds boundary It territorial extends apportioning Bridgeport, because fell outside geographic confines needed "adequately supplied local sources." 654-655, 1368-1369. concluding, provided average annual 21,900 acre feet during season. 42. 26 Now consequent region sought, accordingly claim. D 27 river. obviously concedes "groundwater surface River," 38. nevertheless raises borders, said 28 fail mere unregulated bar hurts it; anyone else. ultimately affect entitled, trial, stop amending stage. 29 reliance is, best, premature. decided after Kansas 206 46, 49, 105, 655, 656-657, 670-671, 51 956 (1907); Missouri Illinois, 200 518, 268, 268-269, 572 (1906), both merits turn equities, 104-105, 113-114, 674-675; 522, 270, principle just stated, obvious point. accept 41, overrule fourth exception. 30 declaratory aimed alone, users. allocated manner upsets based, results contrary provisions Decree promotes inefficiency waste law, violates Project Irrigation Districts Warren Act, 43 U.S.C. 523, exceeds Act." mismanagement "water shortages frequen[t] severe, thereby causing users." 31 allowing cross-claim proceed, reasons. They argue, first, refrained distinct flow, consequence violations cognizable maintain turning States's comply release relegated indeed, currently pending Goshen District C89-0161-J (D.Wyo., June 23, 1989). 32 addressed objections. "even though framed assumptions deliveries," "Wyoming forward her undermining apportionment." 70. "unpersuasive" "neither [is party] [Goshen] [brought contracters], court, therefore, proven decree." 71. 33 availability distribution recognized significance irrigated noting over decade half 90 605, 1345. pointed appropriators "greater rights" appropriators, 645, 1363, helped "tip scales favor flat percentage system," favorable Nebraska. 34 rejecting proposal, combine different users, 621, 1352, "be govern it," 631, 1356. aware water. Contracts out, maintained compliance Reclamation Act 1902, Stat. 388, §§ 372, 383, 'the right acquired shall appurtenant land irrigated, basis, measure, limit right.' 613, 1348. addition, 36 925, 523-525, Secretary Interior delivery available given project managed Act. 639-640, 1356-1357, 1360-1361. system, access facilities possible 640, 1360-1361, disrupted system. "If segregated, contractors times shortage deprived pay [and] who contracted receive expense increment which, seen, insufficient around." Hence, stored went capping certain dams senior, 630, refusal driven respect statutory contractual regime place time, surely dismiss immaterial proper protected condition continue distributed "in lawful 669. vindicate. abides contends Government pays heed law's rather "releas[es] demand regard used." Brief Response (emphasis omitted) (hereinafter Brief). liberality allegedly contractees whose wasted, junior senior call refill consequently receive. 37 policy drought encourages exploit police consumption. points district's years, average, according overall bear. reduced allotment canal, result dry "purely mass [i.e., fixed volume] canal." 8. system year like 1989 [United States'] effectively replaces decreed 75/25 apportionment," departure norm needlessly great "encourages much 'non-allocation' maximize measure entitlement subsequent allocation." 8, 6. 38 arguing merely administration fluctuations received contractee reject claim, outstanding contained "agree[ments] will, otherwise, aggregate amount." 1356-1357. Indeed, example opinion. 1357, 17. asserting, enough forward.2 39 require Acts, argue) asserting private contractors' proper, contends) brings 'in benefit particular individuals,' Support Exception 25, Oklahoma ex rel. Johnson 304 387, 393-394, 58 954, 957-958, 82 1416 (1938). cumulative adhere undermines 14-21, arising itself, vindicate 'quasi-sovereign ' 'independent behind titles earth air domain.' 393, 957, Georgia Tennessee Copper Co., 237, 619, 1038 (1907). 40 moment are) court. and, counsel acknowledged oral argument, uncertain qualify ongoing Procedure 24. Tr. Oral Arg. 46. While uncertainty beside dissent's view, "see[s] reason why institute [district court]," post, __, dissent nowhere explains standing party. said, derives Putting aside, another forum offer practical mitigate ill national government's administration, State's sense entertain course adjudicating broader Cf. Nevada, 412 534, 537, 2763, 2765, 132 (1973) (per curiam) (denying bill "[t]here [r]iver [in question]"). fear specter, raised many proceeding. Ordinarily, "must deemed represent citizens." Kentucky Indiana, 281 163, 173, 275, 277, 74 784 (1930). treated rule individual's "showing [of] right, apart class citizens creatures state, state." Jersey York, 369, 373, ,S.Ct. 689, 691, 1081 (1953); Fed.Rule Civ.Proc. 24(a)(2). occasions disputes compact participation claimants, nonetheless bound reached representation respective 627, 1354-1355, Hinderlider La Plata & Cherry Ditch 92, 106-108, 803, 809-810, 1202 (1938); 286 494, 508-509, 52 626-627, 76 1245 (1932). view occasion show proprietary adequately state. 42 Two caveats order, despite allowance cross-claim. using back door achieving difficult assess merits, emphasize way sanctioning ruled enquire every attention, confined Contractual compliance, such, presume move independently action. For reasons, 44 ordered. 45 46 (Report). join agree, sustain pursue forum. 47 begins following allegation: 48 "The 49 intended premised assumption applicable reservoirs." generally "[t]he laws abide According failures "caused occur frequently short, [riparian law's] Ante, abstract, changed circumstances. Such authorized XIII, invited "apply foot 671, particular, subdivision anticipates light "[a]ny making modifications appropriate." 672. Government's expectation riparian engage equities" "reope[n]" favor. 1696, actually cross-claim's prayer neither reapportionment Instead, States' continuing direct terms contracts." perfect sense: "change conditions" reversed annulled means grounded law? prevent injuries hardly "considerable justification" "reopening interstate rights." 1696.1 53 Yet precisely requested depends body exists errs "states itself." governed law—here, 390, ch. 141, ante, __-__—necessarily "arises under" See, e.g., Franchise Tax Bd. Cal. Construction Laborers Vacation Trust Southern Cal., 463 1, 8-9, 2841, 2845-2846, 420 (1983) (approving, inclusion, "Justice Holmes' statement, 'A creates cause action' (quoting American Well Works Co. Layne Bowler 241 257, 260, 585, 586, 60 987 (1916))). 54 entered conceivably afford separate ordering not. That "anticipated [water] 'be it,' __ added) 1356), mandate result. VI "[s]torage affected decree" "without interference Accord, ("No asserted 1945] affirmatively [Federal Government's] law; assumed"). 55 Because involves "an decree," 1691, chooses "[w]e sparingly particularly plaintiff adequate settle claim." 538, curiam applies squarely "controversies State," "original exclusive jurisdiction." 1251(b)(2) added). declined intrastate rights, "within Court" Nevada. 2765. 539-540, 2766 ("Any California uses lower courts .").2 56 principles applied here. existence dispositive, none) forum.3 number variety approved today, __-__—not issues 1993 opinion, 1698-1701—the greater dispatch. round dragged almost nine 57 distaste prospect find distasteful unnecessarily participate impair interests. remitting voluntarily joinder intervention, Fed.Rules 20(a) 24, joined involuntarily adjudication, 19. 59 departs exercising jurisdiction, ignores opens possibility constitutes misguided [our] discretion." Oklahoma, 502 437, 475, 112 789, 811, 117 (THOMAS, dissenting). respectfully regard. syllabus prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Lumber 321, 337, 282, 287, 499. explicitly noted understood foreclosing litigating matters captured involve 63. Specifically, include Dam; offered defense upstream; calls contravene 63-64. objected respect. disallow grounds (because requiring water) (since presently mandate). leaves hanging. sue included it, mandate, apparently drastic. Post, seems predicate. concedes, "basis rightly position weak 1945. modifying "[i]t predicate." 2. expect clarity language notably fails word "modify" synonyms. regard, stands marked contrast cross-claims Compare E-12 (Fourth Cross-Claim's relief), E-10, E-11, (other prayers). "hanging" explain infra, 447 125, 100 2064, (1980), There, exercised expand reference borderland ownership title "typically various States." 133, 2069. explained, "litigation forums entirely resolving whatever remain." Subsequent Nevada 1973, majority officers, summarily complaint. Nixon, President 414 810, 94 Idaho Vance, State, 434 1031, 98 761, 778 (1978); Indiana 471 1123, 105 2652, 86 270 (1985); Michigan Meese, Attorney General 1078, 1274, 135 (1987); 499 916, 111 1301, 237 (1991). Florida, 430 140, 1166, 228 (1977) ) Florida counterclaim). be, think, "Wyoming's Court." propositions correct. correct, irrelevant: directing i ts obviating "[p]utting aside administration," puts allows standing, thought repeat discussion subject. brief, predicated "adher[e] [failure]

Classification Label: 10