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Fifth Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Jackson Lead Water Suit

9/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal of Jackson, Mississippi lawsuit over lead water.
Judge Kurt Engelhardt, Trump appointee, said residents lack a right to clean water.
Plaintiffs said the city knowingly let residents drink tainted water for six months in 2015.
EPA issued a rule weakening the Clean Water Act, which the National Wildlife Federation condemned.
Jim Murphy, National Wildlife Federation, warned rules will raise drinking-water costs for families.

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Story summary

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal of Jackson, Mississippi lawsuit over lead water.
Judge Kurt Engelhardt, Trump appointee, said residents lack a right to clean water.
Plaintiffs said the city knowingly let residents drink tainted water for six months in 2015.
EPA issued a rule weakening the Clean Water Act, which the National Wildlife Federation condemned.
Jim Murphy, National Wildlife Federation, warned rules will raise drinking-water costs for families.