Federal Court Allows Environmental Racism Lawsuit in Louisiana

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has allowed a lawsuit to proceed that accuses St. James Parish in Louisiana of racial discrimination in the location of petrochemical plants, primarily situated in majority-Black neighborhoods. Filed in March 2023, the lawsuit demands a moratorium on new and expanding industrial facilities, citing a history of discriminatory land-use policies since the Reconstruction era that have adversely affected Black residents' health and property values. The appeals court overturned a previous dismissal, affirming that the plaintiffs' claims were timely and filled with allegations of unequal treatment. Residents argue that the concentration of pollution in their communities has led to higher cancer rates, with St. James Parish identified by environmentalists as part of “Cancer Alley.” The case now returns to the U.S. District Court for further proceedings, where community groups aim to halt the expansion of harmful industries. This ruling marks a significant step in addressing historical injustices linked to environmental racism in the region.