"The next 60 days could prove to be a pivotal period for Oklahoma’s long-term water decisions. A federal judge this week put a lawsuit brought by American Indian tribes on hold while leaders try to negotiate a settlement.

The stay effectively puts both sides on notice that the issue can’t be settled through press releases and television commercials. One tribe said they were hopeful the stay marked a “positive shift” in negotiations. We hope their intuition is correct and negotiations continue."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Water rights lawsuit reaches critical period (The Norman Transcript 3/28)

Also Today:
Water-rights lawsuit defended; Tribe leader says Chickasaws care about 'needs of all Oklahomans' (The Tulsa World 3/29)

Related Stories:
Choctaw and Chickasaw nations in negotiations over water (3/28)
DOJ wants Oklahoma tribal water suit heard in federal court (3/13)
S.E. Ruckman: Oklahoma tribes working to protect water rights (3/6)
Oklahoma's highest court to consider tribal water use case (2/21)
Oklahoma tribes seek to keep water use case in federal court (2/15)
Tribes meet with Oklahoma governor to discuss water case (2/9)
Oklahoma governor asks tribes to drop water rights lawsuit (2/3)
Oklahoma tribes won't dispute existing water use permits (1/27)