Advocates for the Public Trust
State courts have been the setting for many historic water cases. Add another one to the annals of California water law: City of Bakersfield vs. Bring Back the Kern, argued before the California Supreme Court.
What exactly is the “highest beneficial use” of the Kern River? That is the question now before the state’s highest court following Wednesday’s hearing in San Francisco.
The California Supreme Court announced Wednesday it will grant a review of the 5th District Court of Appeals decision that overturned a Kern County judge’s previous ruling that said water needs to be kept in the Kern River at fish-friendly levels.
There’s been a welcome turn of events for Bring Back the Kern, the group that’s been trying to compel the city of Bakersfield to halt its ongoing, wholesale diversion of water from the Kern River.
he once flowing Kern River in Bakersfield is now dry as a bone. At the Bakersfield city council meeting Wednesday night, outraged citizens expressed their grief over the current state of the river and the wildlife it supports.
Flowing water, an essential resource, which is often overlooked. Now reduced from Stockdale Highway to the east by the city to address maintenance and infrastructure needs.
“A Kern County judge has granted a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit by citizen water advocacy groups, filed against the City of Bakersfield and its water usage. To ensure protection of fish and other river wildlife, the city is prohibited from using more water than it needs.”
