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position on this question, and until further information becomes available, will evidently attempt to prevent any additional diminution of streamflow in this reach of the Platte. C. The Economic Issue: The Distribution of Water The Grayrocks Case was not simply a case of development versus preserva- tion; one also found conflicts within the set of economic interests and even within the set of environmental interests. Although some were settled by the court case and the subsequent compromise, others were not, perhaps destined to flare up again at a later tUne. The prine iple interests in the case and those that participated in the compromise are: (1) Missouri Basin Power Project. The utilities wanted to finish con- struction and begin operation as quickly and as cheaply as possible. (2) The State of Nebraska. Nebraska water users feared that additional consumption on the Laramie would reduce the flow of the Platte, thus jeopardi- zing their water rights. Despite this, Nebraska's interest was not monolithic. The state Fish and Game Commision supported the downstream environmental cases (see 3 below). Furthermore, it must be noted that the city of Lincoln was a prominent participant in MBPP. (3) Downstream environmental interests. The preservation of whooping crane habitat was championed by two national environmental organizations: the National Wildlife Federation and the National Audubon Society. In addition, there was a more local interest in preserving the self-sustaining trout fishery in Lake McConaughy. These two interests shared the goal of minimizing water consumption in Wyoming, although they are competitors for water in Nebraska. (4) Upstream environmental interests. A coalition of environmentalists and ranches in Wyoming, led by the Powder River Basin Resource Council and the Laramie River Water Users Association, wanted nothing less than to defeat Grayrocks al together. The prospect of rapid growth of energy produc tion in Wyoming, as in a number of Western states, is resented by many. (5) The Federal Government. There are numerous federal interests in this case. The Rural Electrification Administration wishes to see the plant built. The Corps of Engineers would like to see the dam built. The Fish and Wildlife Service must ensure that the whooping cranes are protected. The FWS, while not a party to the final agreement, played a role in shaping it and in (wi D fc. ~t1Q d~... i)o;J 45