Franco-American Charolaise, Ltd. v. Oklahoma Water Resources Board

OPALA, Justice.

This appeal challenges the constitutionality of the 1963 amendments to Oklahoma’s water law insofar as the amendments regulate riparian rights.2 The case also raises a first-impression question about the interpretation of the requirements for perfecting an appropriative right under 82 O.S. 1981 § 105.12.3 We affirm the trial court’s findings of fact, holding that they are supported by substantial evidence.4 The questions of law tendered for our resolution are:

1. What is the nature of the riparian right under Oklahoma common law?

2. To what extent did the 1963 amendments abrogate…