Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite: Frenemies: Groundwater Sustainability Plans and Adjudications
October 18, 2026
O’Melveny partner Heather Welles will be a guest speaker at the 35th Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite. Welles will join a panel discussion on the complex legal landscape for groundwater management and sustainability. SGMA requires local plans for sustainable groundwater use without changing water rights. Groundwater adjudications can clarify those rights, but recent cases suggest they may conflict with those plans. Meanwhile, lawsuits over well permits seek stricter review of new wells and their impacts. The panelists will explore these incremental impacts on new wells in light emerging issues and potential future developments.
Heather Welles pairs trial and appellate success at the highest levels with substantive expertise in water, a field of growing importance to even the largest companies. A diverse set of clients, including innovative farmers, major movie and television studios, large water districts, champion athletes, leading insurers, and environmental conservation and recreational organizations rely on Heather to develop persuasive theories, write case-winning briefs, and secure high-profile victories.
35th Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite
October 15-18
Yosemite, California
Frenemies: Groundwater Sustainability Plans and Adjudications
Sunday, October 18
Yosemite, California
Learn more and register here.