FX.co ★ California American Water Seeks Dismissal Of Condemnation Suit

California American Water recently filed a motion in the Monterey County Superior Court appealing for the dismissal of a lawsuit initiated by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. The lawsuit aims to facilitate government control of the company’s water system in the Monterey Peninsula via eminent domain.

According to the motion, the District's lawsuit lacks the necessary legal prerequisites required to sanction such a major action, which warrants its dismissal. A hearing regarding the motion has been slated for April 26, 2024.

Evan Jacobs, the Senior Director of External Affairs for California American Water, voiced his concerns about the lawsuit’s potential financial implications. He stated, "The condemnation lawsuit is set to squander millions of dollars in legal fees, adversely affecting our residents. We feel that the District lacks both the legal standing and the technical proficiency necessary to deliver retail water services on the Monterey Peninsula."

California American Water has also claimed the District’s lawsuit is improperly aiming to seize property located beyond the parameters of the District's jurisdiction.