Court Blocks EPA, DOJ Civil Rights Enforcement

A federal judge in Louisiana has issued a permanent injunction barring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) from enforcing disparate-impact requirements under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act within the state. The ruling, by U.S. District Judge James Cain, prevents the federal agencies from mandating that Louisiana industries reduce pollution levels in minority and low-income areas more than in majority White areas, citing constitutional concerns and cooperative federalism principles. Environmental justice advocates, such as Earthjustice, have condemned the decision, arguing it gives polluters a 'free pass' and disproportionately affects communities in areas like 'Cancer Alley,' which have high cancer rates and are predominantly Black and low-income. The ruling follows a preliminary injunction from January and an EPA investigation into discriminatory environmental practices in Louisiana. The decision limits Title VI enforcement to cases of intentional discrimination, excluding cumulative or disparate environmental impacts. The Biden administration's efforts to protect vulnerable communities from industrial pollution face significant setbacks due to this ruling.