September 17, 2009

Governor’s Office Comments on Georgia’s Decision to Appeal Latest Water Ruling

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley’s office today commented on Georgia’s decision to appeal a definitive federal court ruling that water withdrawals from Lake Lanier to provide water supply to the Atlanta area are illegal under federal law.

Governor Riley’s Press Secretary Todd Stacy made the following statement:

“Georgia’s decision to appeal Judge Magnuson’s order represents a refusal to accept reality. These same arguments have been rejected at every level of the federal court system: a United States District Court in Florida; a United States Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C; and the United States Supreme Court. We cannot understand why Georgia thinks this appellate court will view the matter any differently than all the other courts that have considered it.

“Georgia’s ‘fight-to-the-death’ litigation tactics have not served it well to this point. Rather than engaging in pointless appeals, Georgia would be better served devoting its efforts to negotiating a long-term solution with its neighbors.

“Despite Georgia’s insistence to continue fighting this in court, Governor Riley remains committed to negotiating a fair and reasonable solution.”