A federal judge has permanently barred the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from enforcing Title VI civil rights provisions related to environmental harms in Louisiana, stating that only intentional discrimination can be regulated under the law.
Zack Budryk reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Judge James Cain ruled the EPA cannot enforce Title VI protections against disparate environmental impacts in Louisiana.
- The ruling followed the EPA’s decision to end an investigation into “Cancer Alley,” an area with high cancer rates and significant petrochemical production.
- Environmental groups criticized the decision, saying it allows continued harm to vulnerable communities.
Key quote:
“Louisiana’s residents, its environmental justice communities, deserve the same Title VI protections as the rest of the nation.”
— Patrice Simms, Earthjustice Vice President for Healthy Communities
Why this matters:
This ruling could weaken protections against environmental discrimination in marginalized communities, potentially setting a precedent that limits the scope of civil rights enforcement in environmental policy nationwide.
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