Back

Director's Picks

EPA retreats on Louisiana investigations that alleged Black people lived amid higher cancer risk

Summary

The Biden administration has halted an investigation into whether Louisiana officials exposed Black residents in an industrial area to increased cancer risk, despite initial evidence of racial discrimination, according to a federal court filing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that achieving a resolution by the July deadline was not feasible. The investigation, which was welcomed by activists in predominantly Black communities, aimed to address health concerns. While the EPA took actions against Denka, a polymer plant under scrutiny, including filing a lawsuit and tightening regulations, Louisiana did not make any commitments as a result of the investigation. Activists expressed disappointment and concerns that the retreat in Louisiana could signify a broader limitation of civil rights investigations. The EPA intends to analyze residents' exposure to dangerous emissions and work toward improving public health and the environment.

discover more

April 22, 2024
Environmental Racism
Environmental Racism

Environmental racism remains a pressing issue in the United States, highlighted by a series of modern-day examples that underscore systemic inequalities.

April 22, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

A lawsuit filed by a coalition of advocates and inmates against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) over extreme temperatures in state prisons

April 22, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

President Joe Biden has announced the opening of applications for the American Climate Corps, aiming to enlist 20,000 individuals in its inaugural year.

April 19, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice

Reuters reports that the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will announce its plan on May 13 to expedite the development of long-distance transmission lines to accom

April 19, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

Over $300 million is being directed towards addressing the migrant crisis while longstanding issues of poverty in their communities have been overlooked for decades.

April 18, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

Newsweek reports that the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center forecasts a months-long drought in western Texas, exacerbating concerns about water scarcity.

April 18, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The activism of Black-led environmental organizations, such as Outdoor Afro and Justice Outside, in combating environmental racism and advocating for marginalized communities

April 17, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has granted Houston an extension to utilize or reimburse $5.7 billion earmarked for Hurricane Harvey housing recovery

April 17, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

Efforts by the Texas Land Office and Houston City Council to locate 900 households owed relocation assistance due to the buyout of four low-income housing complexes following Hurr

April 17, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

A new study published in Nature revealing that climate change-induced extreme weather events could lead to a substantial reduction of approximately 19% in global income by 2050.

April 17, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

Daji Aswad reports on the launch of a pollution tracker by Lone Star Legal Aid, enabling Houston residents to report environmental issues directly.

April 16, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

FEMA's enforcement of the 50 percent rule, which mandates the rebuilding of flood-damaged homes above flood level, has sparked controversy in Lee County, Florida.

April 13, 2024
Energy Justice
Energy Justice

Yahoo Finance, delves into the natural gas surplus gripping the US, particularly in Texas.

April 12, 2024
Climate Change
Climate Change

As preparations for COP29 ramp up, the debate over the financial commitments of wealthy nations to support developing countries in decarbonization and disaster recovery intensifie

April 12, 2024
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The United States Department of Justice issued an amicus brief supporting claims from a Wisconsin tribe that Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline is trespassing on tribal lands.