A Nevada regulator ruled this week that groundwater pumping north of Las Vegas threatens an endangered fish species that relies on spring-fed desert pools, affirming the work of the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity.
“We’re pleased that the state engineer recognizes that these critical groundwater supplies must be protected to save the Moapa dace from extinction,” said Patrick Donnelly, the center’s Nevada state director in an interview with Court House News. “There’s still too much groundwater pumping, and further reductions are necessary to ensure long-term conservation and recovery.”
The battle dates back to 2005 and includes a 2010 lawsuit. Read more here.