Library Search

The expansion of ExxonMobil’s Beaumont Refinery in Texas is one of the cases where the EPA failed to investigate civil rights complaints filed more than a decade ago.
(Photo courtesy of Randy Edwards)
case October 2, 2020

Challenging EPA's Failure to Investigate Civil Rights Complaints

Communities across the country sued the Environmental Protection Agency for failing to investigate their civil rights complaints for more than a decade. The complaints involve discrimination by the states in granting permits that subject already overburdened low-income communities of color to more big-polluting facilities. EPA accepted the complaints which are on permits for two gas-fired…

Pastor Ron Smith with his mother Ann Smith, retired teacher and community leader, in Ann's office at her home near Tallassee, AL.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
Press Release October 2, 2020

Federal Court Still Requires EPA to Enforce Civil Rights

Court rules in favor of communities, holding EPA accountable for failing to investigate civil rights complaints in a timely manner

Pastor Ron Smith with his mother Ann Smith, retired teacher and community leader, in Ann's office at her home near Tallassee, AL. Ann and her late husband, Thomas Smith, were the first ones to speak up against irregularities in the Stone's Throw landfill's operation.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
Press Release December 12, 2018

EPA Slams Door To Justice On Historic Black Community

Despite significant evidence, EPA closes civil rights complaint against Alabama environmental agency

Residents of Tallassee, AL, are seeking relief from a landfill in the middle of their community.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
Article April 6, 2018

Judge to EPA: Do Your Job and Enforce Civil Rights Law

Communities of color have waited decades for the EPA to investigate their environmental discrimination complaints. A judge just ruled that the agency must pick up the pace.

document April 2, 2018

Title VI OCR Investigations Order

Order granting in part and denying in part plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment; and denying defendants’ rule 12 motion to dismiss and granting alternative motion for summary judgment as to the sixth claim for relief

Pastor Ron Smith with his mother Ann Smith, retired teacher and community leader, in Ann's office at her home near Tallassee, AL.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
Press Release: Victory March 30, 2018

Court Declares that EPA Failed To Protect Civil Rights

Leaders applaud decision and vow to keep fighting for justice

An industrial hog facility in North Carolina. Hog feces and urine are flushed into open, unlined pits and then sprayed onto nearby fields. The practice leads to waste contaminating nearby waters, and drifting as "mist" onto neighboring properties. (Friends of Family Farmers)
Press Release January 24, 2017

EPA Civil Rights Office Takes Steps to Enforce Civil Rights Laws

Michigan, New Mexico and North Carolina failed to adequately protect civil rights

Bottled water distribution by National Guard at Fire Station 6, in downtown Flint, Michigan, on January 23, 2016.
(Linda Parton / Shutterstock)
Press Release July 12, 2016

Groups Call on Feds to Investigate Possible Civil Rights Violations in Flint and Detroit

Federal agencies must require Michigan agencies to comply with federal civil rights laws

Ron Smith stands outside New Zion Church, next to Stone's Throw landfill, near Tallassee, Ala. Community members meet at this church regularly to discuss issues related to the landfill.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
Article March 21, 2016

Pulling the Land Out from Under Them

The EPA’s failure to enforce civil rights laws is costing black homeowners their land and their families’ financial future.

The expansion of ExxonMobil’s Beaumont Refinery in Texas is one of the cases where the EPA failed to investigate civil rights complaints filed more than a decade ago.
(Photo courtesy of Randy Edwards)
feature March 8, 2016

What You Need To Know About Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination on the basis of color, religion, national origin and gender. The text of the law is thematically organized into eleven sections, Title I to Title XI. Title VI is of particular significance. Find out why.

Ron Smith stands on the property that his family has owned since his great-grandfather's time. A landfill built adjacent to the property is the subject of an unanswered EPA complaint filed 13 years ago.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
Article January 28, 2016

EPA to Weaken Civil Rights Protections Under Obama

The EPA’s Office of Civil Rights is trying to weaken civil rights protections through a new proposal that will negatively impact communities that suffer environmental discrimination.

Pastor Ron Smith with his mother Ann Smith, retired teacher and community leader, in Ann's office at her home near Tallassee, AL.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
Press Release January 8, 2016

EPA Proposal Would Weaken Civil Rights Protections

Agency holds hearings on revision of proposed civil rights rule revision

Pastor Ron Smith with his mother Ann Smith, retired teacher and community leader, in Ann's office at her home near Tallassee, AL. Ann and her late husband, Thomas Smith, were the first ones to speak up against irregularities in the Stone's Throw landfill's operation.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
feature October 30, 2015

Corrigiendo Las Injusticias Civiles Del Pasado

Desde California hasta Michigan, las comunidades de color de bajos recursos llevan años esperando que la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EEUU (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) tome una posición respecto al racismo medioambiental.

Pastor Ron Smith with his mother Ann Smith, retired teacher and community leader, in Ann's office at her home near Tallassee, AL. Ann and her late husband, Thomas Smith, were the first ones to speak up against irregularities in the Stone's Throw landfill's operation.
(Jeronimo Nisa for Earthjustice)
feature October 30, 2015

Righting Civil Wrongs

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is one of the few enforceable civil rights laws that cover environmental actions. And from California to Michigan, low-income communities of color have been waiting years for the EPA to take a stand against environmental racism.

In Chaves County, New Mexico, residents are subjected to a higher than average number of radioactive and hazardous waste facilities, and they are at risk from a new hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facility.
(Kunertus/Shutterstock)
Article August 3, 2015

The EPA’s Dismal Civil Rights Record Takes Center Stage

A new report and investigative series shows that the EPA's Office of Civil Rights hasn’t been doing its job.

document July 15, 2015

Waiting for Justice: Complaints Sheet

Snapshot of civil rights complaints the EPA has failed to for a decade or more. The complaints involve discrimination by the states in granting permits that subject already overburdened low-income communities of color to more big-polluting facilities.

document July 15, 2015

Title VI Unreasonable Delay Complaint

Filing for case involving communities across the country suing EPA for failing to investigate their civil rights complaints for more than a decade.

The expansion of ExxonMobil’s Beaumont Refinery in Texas is one of the cases where the EPA failed to investigate civil rights complaints filed more than a decade ago.
(Photo courtesy of Randy Edwards)
Press Release July 15, 2015

EPA Must End Discrimination, Stop States from Permitting Polluters in Overburdened Communities of Color

10+ years of delays in civil rights investigations threatens health of communities nationwide