Criminal Case in Flint Water Crisis Puts Governors on Notice

Criminal charges against former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and other state officials for their roles in the Flint water crisis will put state governors nationwide on notice.

Legal observers say that’s because the charges, announced Wednesday, show governors could be held to an unprecedented level of accountability for drinking water quality in their states.

Environmental justice advocates say such charges are long overdue for cases like Flint, where public officials and government staff take actions that can directly harm the public—particularly more vulnerable communities.

The charges mean that all state governors should be aware that they can be held legally ...