A Federal District Court Judge dismissed the $1B lawsuit filed by Mississippi against Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) over MLGW's pumping of ground water from beneath Mississippi (see my earlier post about this issue).
Judge Glen H. Davidson ruled that his court does not have jurisdiction, since the case involves two states, and such disputes must be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Although Tennessee is not a defendant, the judge ruled that the state must be brought into the case as a "necessary and indispensable" party, making it a dispute between two states.
The court dismissed the case without prejudice. Mississippi can now appeal the case or file with the Supreme Court. Attorneys for the state said they will appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and, if unsuccessful there, file before the Supreme Court.
Tom Charlier of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal gives the full story.
But stay tuned, because the fat lady hasn't sung yet.
"The opera isn't over till the fat lady sings." -- Dick Motta, former NBA coach
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