Federal judge who ruled in water cases steps down

[XemaSab]

A federal judge whose rulings in high-profile California water cases have had far-reaching impact on protections of threatened fish species and on how much water flows from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to farms and cities is stepping down after two decades on the bench.

The decisions of judge Oliver W. Wanger — who leaves the courthouse on Sept. 30 — have at times angered farmers, environmentalists and federal government officials. Despite this, Wanger, 70, is recognized by all sides for his historic role and his strict adherence to the law.

"Over the course of the last two decades, no one has had a greater influence on California water than Judge Wanger," said Tom Birmingham, general manager of the Westlands Water District, the largest agricultural water district in the nation, which has participated in numerous cases before the judge. "There isn't a judge for whom I have greater respect."

Bill Jennings of the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, which has often opposed Westlands in court, echoed the sentiment: "We have found him to be a fair judge who addresses what is before him."



Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2011/09/24/state/n103110D07.DTL#ixzz1Yu21m400

[Ikonoklast]

1. If you are a judge that everyone hates, you must be doing things right.

Being fair to all sides usually means you'll piss off everyone, sooner or later.

[saras]

2. Perhaps. I don't see big business on that list.

[XemaSab]

3. "Farmers" = big business

n/t

[JoeyT]

4. In this case "Federal government officials" = big business too. n/t