Three New Mexico lawmakers say a water rights settlement with the Navajo Nation was not properly approved.

The tribe and the state finalized the deal in December 2010 after it was signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2009. But the lawmakers say it should have been submitted to the New Mexico Legislature for approval.

"It makes no difference that the United States Congress has authorized the Navajo water compact," the lawsuit states, The Farmington Daily-Times repoted, "because the New Mexico Legislature has not."

The settlement secured the tribe's rights to the San Juan River. It also authorized a costly pipeline that will serve communities on and off the reservation.

Get the Story:
Suit: Navajo water settlement needs Legislature’s OK (The Albuquerque Journal 5/15)
Three legislators challenge Navajo Water Rights Settlement (The Farmington Daily-Times 5/15)