FEDERALDistrict Court, E.D. California
2011

San Luis Unit Food Producers v. United States

772 F. Supp. 2d 1210District Court, E.D. California • Decided 2011Remanded
Force MajeureCited 13 times

HOLDING

Agricultural water users sued the federal Bureau of Reclamation for failing to deliver irrigation water as required by law. The court ruled the farmers had legal standing to challenge the government's water management practices and denied the government's motion to dismiss. This case matters to construction subcontractors because it establishes that parties can sue federal agencies for breach of statutory obligations, even when those obligations involve infrastructure operation rather than construction.

KEY FINDINGS

Force Majeure

Subcontractors can challenge government agencies for failing to operate or maintain infrastructure built under contract if statutory obligations are violated.

FULL COURT OPINION