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In a win for civil rights and environmental protection in Texas, the state has agreed to guarantee access to information and opportunities for Spanish-language and other non-English dominant communities to participate in decisions that affect their environment and health, including the siting of polluting facilities and infrastructure.
The state’s agreement results from a 2019 complaint Earthjustice filed against Texas, on behalf of Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (t.e.j.a.s.) and Sierra Club. “This is an important first step in addressing language barriers in Texas,” says Juan Parras, executive director of t.e.j.a.s.
Equitable language access is critically important for public health and environmental protection in Texas.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act forbids agencies that receive federal funding from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
Among other actions, the state is now required comply with the Civil Rights Act through mandatory measures, including:
While this agreement marks an important milestone for civil rights and environmental protection in Texas, such progress is vital in many other parts of the country.
In states including California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, and New Jersey, language-access barriers are blocking immigrant and Native American communities from civic processes and perpetuating environmental injustices.
Parras believes this effort can be a model for building environmental awareness and unlocking civic power in communities. “This agreement will increase avenues for participation for diverse communities,” he says. “People are going to be more informed and be able to better understand and address the myriad environmental issues that affect their daily lives.”
Earthjustice will continue to work with t.e.j.a.s. and groups facing similar challenges around the country to expand access to justice and defend the right of communities to protect their health and environment.
Residents who live near refineries draw attention to harmful pollution through "toxic tours" for elected officials, regulators, and community members. But more national pressure is needed to stop multi-billion dollar companies from freely polluting their communities.