• Temporary restraining order issued against California State Water Board.
• Kings County farmers get relief from groundwater pumping restrictions.
• Order signals hope for permanent injunction in August.

July 18, 2024 —  In a surprise decision on July 15, a Kings County Superior Court judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), preventing enforcement of new groundwater pumping restrictions in the Tulare Lake subbasin. The ruling offers a reprieve to farmers who were facing imminent harm under the SWRCB’s “probationary” designation.

The TRO, which remains in effect until August 20, stems from a lawsuit filed by the Kings County Farm Bureau (KCFB) against SWRCB Resolution No. 2024-0012. This resolution had placed the Tulare Lake Groundwater Subbasin under probation, requiring farmers to meter and report their groundwater use. The KCFB argued the designation was illegal and would cause undue hardship on local farms and ranches.

Judge’s Change of Heart.

According to the Kings County Farm Bureau’s press release, the judge initially indicated she was unlikely to rule in favor of the farmers. However, after hearing arguments from both sides, she reversed her tentative ruling, citing the potential for immediate harm to the agricultural community.

“The judge’s decision to issue the TRO gives us great hope that receiving a temporary injunction in August is a real possibility,” said KCFB Executive Director Dusty Ference. “This is a massive step towards undoing the SWRCB decision to place the TLSB on probation.”

Next Steps.

The TRO represents a significant victory for the KCFB and local farmers, but it is just the first step in a larger legal battle. The case, officially known as Kings County Farm Bureau et al vs. California State Water Resources Control Board (Case No. 24CU0198), will continue with a hearing on August 20 to determine whether the TRO will be extended into a temporary injunction.

More Information.

For more information on the case, including court dates and documents, please visit the Kings County Superior Court portal at https://prod-portal-kingscounty-ca.ecourt.com/public-portal/?q=node/394/720929/FV-Documents-Portal.

The KCFB also accepts donations to its SGMA Defense Fund to support ongoing efforts to protect farmers’ rights. Checks can be made payable to:

KCFB 870 Greenfield Ave. Hanford, CA 93230

Image:

Kings County Courthouse, Hanford, California, built in 1896 and on the National Register of Historic Places.  By Armona, September 2007, licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License,

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