# El Paso’s Water Fee Battle Ends Again | El Paso News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/el-paso-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7476707/el-paso-s-water-fee-battle-ends-again-el-paso-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/el-paso-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7476707/el-paso-s-water-fee-battle-ends-again-el-paso-news.md
Podcast: [El Paso News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/el-paso-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7476707)
Published: 2026-07-24T12:19:29+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/f54d99efb1fd6b3e
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/a424475d-694d-41e1-bc6e-d6960fea3dd3.mp3
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Duration seconds: 94

## Resource

El Paso’s environmental franchise fee is officially toast after the Texas Eighth District Court of Appeals denied its latest rehearing request—marking the city’s fourth legal defeat in this escalating battle. The fee, which jumped from $1.10 to $6/month since 2015 and now nets the city over $13 million monthly, was ruled an illegal tax by a district judge in 2024, a decision upheld twice by the appeals court. Plaintiff Joe Pickett, who started this fight in 2020, says the city’s legal maneuvers are a farce—especially since they’re simultaneously opposing El Paso Electric’s rate hikes. With no signs of resolution, the city is mum on next steps, calling it “active litigation,” while Pickett prepares for a potential showdown at the Texas Supreme Court. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/f54d99efb1fd6b3e

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