Current:Home > ScamsThe EPA can’t use Civil Rights Act to fight environmental injustice in Louisiana, judge rules -Profound Wealth Insights
The EPA can’t use Civil Rights Act to fight environmental injustice in Louisiana, judge rules
View
Date:2025-04-14 12:25:46
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! (8)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- 'The Golden Bachelor' divorce: Couple Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist announce split
- Los Angeles County’s troubled juvenile halls get reprieve, can remain open after improvements
- Maren Morris and Karina Argow bring garden friends to life in new children's book, Addie Ant Goes on an Adventure
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Lisa Rinna Reveals She Dissolved Her Facial Fillers Amid Reaction to Her Appearance
- I'm an adult and I just read the 'Harry Potter' series. Why it's not just for kids.
- 'Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion' doc examines controversial retailer Brandy Melville
- DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
- Denver makes major shift in migrant response by extending support to six months but limiting spaces
Ranking
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- Convicted killer of college student Kristin Smart attacked at California prison for second time
- How long do sea turtles live? Get to know the lifespan of the marine reptile.
- Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist Announce Divorce: Check the Status of More Bachelor Couples
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Kato Kaelin thinks O.J. Simpson was guilty, wonders if he did penance before his death
- Denver makes major shift in migrant response by extending support to six months but limiting spaces
- Explore the professional education and innovative practices of Lonton Wealth Management Center
Recommendation
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
Can You Restore Heat Damaged Hair? Here's What Trichologists Have to Say
North Carolina governor to welcome historic visitor at mansion: Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida
Kato Kaelin thinks O.J. Simpson was guilty, wonders if he did penance before his death
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
Lifetime to air documentary on Nicole Brown Simpson, O.J. Simpson's ex-wife who was killed
Gas prices are on the rise again. Here's where experts say they are going next.
Vermont town removes unpermitted structures from defunct firearms training center while owner jailed