Paddling Upstream — Lawsuit Looking to Recognize the Rights of the Colorado River Dismissed

A novel approach to finding a plaintiff meets a quick end. In September 2017, an environmental group filed a lawsuit in Colorado federal court. That lawsuit sought to force the State of Colorado to “protect and defend” the Colorado River ecosystem. While that action itself is not original in any sense, the named plaintiff was. The suit claimed it was filed on behalf of “The Colorado River Ecosystem.”

Undeterred by the fact that the Colorado River is not a person, the lawsuit claimed the river …

Continue Reading