States' Water Negotiations Can Be Secret

Negotiations between the states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida can remain secret, according to a recent federal ruling.

1 minute read

January 12, 2010, 8:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

The three states have been in a long battle to determine water use rights amid dwindling resources and skyrocketing growth. This new ruling allows the states' negotiations to remain secret, but some say the decision is a bad move.

"In an order this week, Federal District Court Judge Paul Magnuson said 'a settlement of such a complicated and inflammatory case such as this can occur only if some negotiations, whether among all parties or among only some of the parties, are conducted privately.'

Magnuson's order applies to all documents exchanged and statements made during the negotiations.

Some observers disagree with the secrecy, including the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, a Georgia water protection organization, and the executive committee of the ACF Stakeholders."

FULL STORY: Judge: States' water talks can be secret

Monday, January 11, 2010 in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Environment Government / Politics Infrastructure Alabama Florida Georgia Water Water Rights Negotiaions View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.