NEWARK, NJ – A federal judge has rejected an emergency motion filed by a self-represented plaintiff seeking to stop a New Jersey water testing company from operating, ruling the allegations failed to show any direct personal harm or legal standing to justify court intervention.

Zachary Shortway, who filed the motion earlier this month in U.S. District Court, alleged that Pace Analytical Services, LLC, was improperly managing oversight of regulated drinking water systems throughout New Jersey. In his filing, Shortway sought immediate injunctive relief, claiming the company’s conduct posed a risk to public health. But the court denied his request Wednesday, ruling that his concerns amounted to a “generalized grievance” rather than a specific legal injury.

Judge Susan D. Wigenton ruled that

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