EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·Sep 6·5 min read
You Don't Have a Right to Safe Drinking Water, US Court Rules
TL;DR
A US court ruled that residents of Jackson, Mississippi, do not have a constitutional right to safe drinking water, dismissing a lawsuit over lead contamination. This decision highlights a significant gap in legal protections for clean water in the US compared to other states and countries.
✦ Why It Matters
Advocate for stronger local and state policies to protect the right to clean drinking water.
Key Takeaways
- Understand local water quality regulations and advocate for improvements.
- Stay informed about public health issues related to drinking water.
- Engage with community organizations focused on environmental justice.
- Support policies that protect clean water rights at the state level.
Full Summary
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit against Jackson, Mississippi, where residents claimed their constitutional right to bodily integrity was violated due to lead-contaminated water. Judge Kurt Engelhardt stated that the Constitution does not guarantee redress for every governmental failure, asserting that the alleged deprivations, while serious, do not infringe on any established constitutional rights.
In contrast, many states and countries, including New York and Uruguay, recognize a right to clean water. The lawsuit revealed that Jackson's water system has long been problematic, with officials failing to inform residents about lead contamination for six months after it was discovered.
Despite ongoing violations of water safety policies, no effective remediation has occurred, leaving many residents, including children, at risk of lead poisoning. This ruling coincides with efforts by the Trump administration to weaken clean water protections, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety.