According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Northeast experienced record rainfall this summer. But back in 1950, the United States was in the midst of a drought.
To alleviate the problem, the city of New York began conducting “experiments to induce rain artificially” in the Catskills, hoping to replenish the city’s water supply.
The owner of a Catskills country club sought an injunction against the city to stop the activity, stating the increased rainfall would negatively impact his business by scaring off vacationers.
In Slutsky v. City of New York, The New York Supreme Count found that the private club “clearly has no vested property rights in the clouds or the moisture therein,” and that the welfare of millions of city residents outweighed damage to the private club.
Sources: NOAA, Ronald B. Standler
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