Current:Home > NewsThe EPA can’t use Civil Rights Act to fight environmental injustice in Louisiana, judge rules -Clarity Finance Guides
The EPA can’t use Civil Rights Act to fight environmental injustice in Louisiana, judge rules
View
Date:2025-04-13 04:23:37
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal judge has weakened the Biden administration’s effort to use a historic civil rights law to fight industrial pollution alleged to have taken a heavier toll on minority communities in Louisiana.
U.S. District Judge James David Cain of Lake Charles handed down the ruling Thursday, permanently blocking the Environmental Protection Agency from imposing what are known as “disparate impact” requirements on the state.
Cain had already issued a temporary blocking order in January. His ruling was a victory for Louisiana officials who challenged the EPA policy, which was based on possible violations of Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. The act forbids anyone who receives federal funds from discriminating based on race or national origin. It’s been used in housing and transportation, but rarely on environmental matters. The EPA under President Joe Biden, however, tried to use it more aggressively.
The state sued in May 2023, a move that may have played a role in the EPA dropping an investigation into whether Louisiana officials put Black residents living in an industrial stretch of the state at increased cancer risk. The area, often referred to as “cancer alley” because of the amount of suspected cancer-causing pollution emitted there, stretches along the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.
In its lawsuit, the state argued that the Biden administration’s plans went beyond the scope of Title VI. The state said the EPA wrongfully targeted pollution policies that unintentionally hurt minorities communities most when the law applies only to intentional discrimination. The state also said the policy is discriminatory because it would allow regulation of pollutants based on the race of those affected. Cain agreed the EPA went too far.
While Cain’s ruling was a victory for Republican state officials — Gov. Jeff Landry, who was attorney general when the suit was filed, and his successor in that office, Elizabeth Murrill — environmental groups decried it.
“Louisiana has given industrial polluters open license to poison Black and brown communities for generations, only to now have one court give it a permanent free pass to abandon its responsibilities,” Patrice Simms of the Earthjustice organization, said in a news release.
The ruling applies only to Louisiana and can be appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.
veryGood! (35913)
Related
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Rescue of truck driver dangling from bridge was a team effort, firefighter says
- Iris Apfel, fashion icon known for her eye-catching style, dies at 102
- The man sought in a New York hotel killing will return to an Arizona courtroom for a flight hearing
- Small twin
- Trump tried to crush the 'DEI revolution.' Here's how he might finish the job.
- 3 passengers on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 where door plug blew out sue the airline and Boeing for $1 billion
- Evers signs Republican-authored bill to expand Wisconsin child care tax credit
- Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
- Two men are dead after a small plane crash near a home in Minnesota
Ranking
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Curfews, checkpoints, mounted patrols: Miami, Florida cities brace for spring break 2024
- Republican state senator to run for open congressional seat representing northeastern Wisconsin
- Supreme Court temporarily blocks Texas law that allows police to arrest migrants
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Sleepy bears > shining moments: March Napness brings bracketology to tired sanctuary bears
- History-rich Pac-12 marks the end of an era as the conference basketball tournaments take place
- What will Fed chair say about interest rates? Key economy news you need to know this week.
Recommendation
Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
How much snow fell in Northern California and the Sierra Nevada? Snowfall over 7 feet
New Massachusetts license plate featuring 'Cat in the Hat' honors Springfield native Dr. Seuss
Joshua Jackson and Lupita Nyong'o Confirm Romance With PDA-Filled Tropical Getaway
Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
Girl Scouts were told to stop bracelet-making fundraiser for kids in Gaza. Now they can’t keep up
Lisa Vanderpump Has the Perfect Response to Raquel Leviss' Podcast Shade
A man is found guilty of killing, dismembering a woman after taking out life insurance in her name