Rowland Water District Selects New Legal Counsel

ROWLAND HEIGHTS, Calif., Oct. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Joseph Byrne, Of Counsel Attorney at Best Best & Krieger, has been appointed by the Rowland Water District (RWD) as legal counsel, it was announced last week. Byrne is a member of Best Best & Krieger's Environmental Law & Natural Resources, Special Districts, Municipal and Business Services practice groups. He advises public and private sector clients on water law, public law and government and legislative strategies, which will prove invaluable to RWD as they continue to navigate the growing complexities of water and environmental law.  Byrne replaces former counsel Janet Morningstar who retired last month.

Byrne earned his undergraduate degree from UC Berkley, and received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. He has considerable experience advising public and private clients on various issues related to water, including helping clients secure water supply, negotiating many types of water-related agreements, analyzing water rights, and advising on regulatory and policy issues. He works closely with a number of cities and districts on a daily basis.

"Years of experience dealing with water issues at the State and Federal level make Joe a great asset to the District," says Ken Deck, General Manager at Rowland Water District. "Our Board wants to ensure that our ratepayers receive the best possible service, and we rely on people like Joe to keep us at the very top of our game.  He will bring great insight as we focus on our priorities, including securing additional water supplies and tackling one of the worst droughts in state history."

Byrne is very familiar with California's legislative process and water policy. He worked on water policy issues in Sacramento for years, and also taught a water policy class at University of California. In May 2010, Joseph was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve on the California Water Commission, and was re-appointed to another term by Governor Jerry Brown in 2014. He currently serves as Chair of the Commission.

"I am grateful to be working with Rowland Water District at a critical time in its history," says Byrne. "The California water industry has become a fast-paced environment with ever-increasing challenges.  It will be a pleasure to work together with Rowland Water District to meet those challenges on behalf of ratepayers."  

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SOURCE Rowland Water District