Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP)

Protecting Critical California Water Projects

Since 2011, we’ve been a go-to legal partner for LADWP’s highest-priority transactions, compliance, litigation, and appeals challenges. With 40 years of government and private sector insights, we offer LADWP the land use and environmental guidance to implement and protect key projects amidst competing consumer and regulatory demands. Over the years, we have tackled a wide range of the Department’s most complex challenges, ranging from alternative energy and contamination issues to water rights, contract disputes, and regulatory compliance under CEQA, NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the Coastal Act.

Landmark Victory Amid California’s Worsening Drought

In Mono County, et al. v. LADWP, Meyers Nave overturned a crippling lower court decision that water allocations to ranchers on LADWP-owned land in Mono County are subject to CEQA, ruling that a change to historic practices requires new environmental review. Our vigorous and strategic defense, led by Amrit Kulkarni, persuaded the Court of Appeal to rule that allocations were covered under existing approvals. Featured in the Los Angeles Times, this crucial victory allows LADWP to manage water resources free from expensive annual litigation.

The appellate court’s reversal ensures that LADWP “will continue to have the flexibility required to balance the state’s strained water resources with the needs of people and the environment.”
— Anselmo Collins, Senior Assistant General Manager of Water Systems

Other significant matters include:

Multibillion Dollar Dust Control Program at Owens Lake
We provide complex air quality advice to implement a multi-billion dollar dust control program at Owens Lake, coordinating extensively with interested tribal groups, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other agencies to secure approvals, prepare SIP, CEQA, and NEPA reviews, and negotiate lease/access agreements.
Major Multimillion Dollar Statewide Rates and Charges Litigation
We represent LADWP in complex statewide litigation initiated by the San Diego County Water Authority that challenges the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s rates and charges for imported water, involving millions of dollars of past and future rates and charges.
Complex Environmental Review at Elysian and Stone Canyon Reservoirs
We advise on the environmental review of the Elysian and Stone Canyon Reservoirs’ Water Quality Improvement Projects, bringing these open reservoirs into compliance with updated EPA drinking water quality standards. We have also appealed to the Los Angeles City Council regarding certification of the Elysian Reservoir project EIR.
Multijurisdictional Litigation
We represent LADWP in complex multi-jurisdictional litigation against the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District’s attempt to impose penalties on LADWP for alleged non-compliance with the District’s illegal order.
Sustainable Energy Initiatives
Meyers Nave advises on legal, regulatory, and other issues relating to the exercise of land and facility purchase options for a large solar energy facility, as well as an existing power purchase agreement.
Water Transfer Litigation
We are litigation counsel regarding changes to a mitigation measure in an EIR that analyzed a historic water agreement for the City of Los Angeles’s aqueduct and transfer of water from Owens Valley to Los Angeles.
Water Rights Litigation
Meyers Nave serves as lead litigation counsel over LADWP’s water rights to Mammoth Creek and the Owens River and proposed actions by the Mammoth Community Services District.

A Reputation Built on Results

Meyers Nave’s statewide relationships, strategic insight, and commitment to legal excellence empower LADWP to overcome its toughest challenges. Together, we drive California forward.